Local Anaesthesia

The sensory nerve supply of the skin of the head and neck region is principally by the branches of the trigeminal nerve and cervical plexus, with smaller contributions from the other cranial nerves. Most of these nerves can be anaesthetised by nerve blocks, regional blocks in addition to local infiltration. Knowledge of the relevant anatomy and anaesthetic techniques can enable surgical procedures to be carried out under local anaesthesia, in addition to helping with post-operative analgesia. This chapter provides information which will enable the clinician to safely obtain excellent local anaesthesia in the relevant areas.