What is the aim of using lignocaine for local anaesthesia?

What is the aim of using lignocaine for local anaesthesia?

• A. To increase heart rate
• B. To block pain transmission
• C. To stimulate vasodilation
• D. To enhance nerve regeneration

Answer: (B)

The primary aim of using lignocaine for local anaesthesia is to block pain transmission. Lignocaine, also known as lidocaine, is a local anesthetic that works by inhibiting the conduction of nerve impulses. It achieves this by binding to the voltage-gated sodium channels within the nerve membranes, preventing the influx of sodium ions that is necessary for the initiation and propagation of action potentials. As a result, the area of administration becomes insensate to pain and other sensations, allowing for various medical procedures to be performed without discomfort to the patient. The other options involve processes unrelated to the primary function of lignocaine in anaesthesia. Increasing heart rate is not a goal of local anaesthesia; in fact, lignocaine may have antiarrhythmic properties that can stabilize heart function. Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which is not a direct action of lignocaine; rather, some local anaesthetics may include a vasoconstrictor to prolong the anaesthetic effect and minimize bleeding. Finally, enhancing nerve regeneration is not an effect of lignocaine; its primary role is to provide temporary blockage of nerve signal transmission rather than facilitate nerve growth or repair.

The primary aim of using lignocaine for local anaesthesia is to block pain transmission. Lignocaine, also known as lidocaine, is a local anesthetic that works by inhibiting the conduction of nerve impulses. It achieves this by binding to the voltage-gated sodium channels within the nerve membranes, preventing the influx of sodium ions that is necessary for the initiation and propagation of action potentials. As a result, the area of administration becomes insensate to pain and other sensations, allowing for various medical procedures to be performed without discomfort to the patient.

The other options involve processes unrelated to the primary function of lignocaine in anaesthesia. Increasing heart rate is not a goal of local anaesthesia; in fact, lignocaine may have antiarrhythmic properties that can stabilize heart function. Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which is not a direct action of lignocaine; rather, some local anaesthetics may include a vasoconstrictor to prolong the anaesthetic effect and minimize bleeding. Finally, enhancing nerve regeneration is not an effect of lignocaine; its primary role is to provide temporary blockage of nerve signal transmission rather than facilitate nerve growth or repair.