Basic Oral Surgery Course : From A - Z Part 1

1. Emotional stress or pain: This can be anything from anxiety to the fear of needles that causes your heart rate to slow down and your blood pressure to drop.

2. Standing for a long time: Prolonged standing, especially after eating, can reduce blood flow to the brain.

3. Extreme temperatures: Either too hot or too cold can trigger a vasovagal event in some individuals.

4. Blood Draw or Injection: The sight of needles or having blood drawn can trigger a reflexive response leading to a vasovagal attack.

5. Observing Painful Procedures: Witnessing or anticipating painful procedures, especially those involving surgery or dental work, can cause a vasovagal reaction.

6. Cough Syncope: A violent cough can trigger a vasovagal response.

7. Nitro Fumes: Breathing in high concentrations of nitrous fumes can lead to vasodilation and bradycardia.

8. A Full Bladder or Constipation: Discomfort from either condition can trigger a reflex that affects your heart rate and blood pressure.

9. Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions such as arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, or heart block can lead to syncope.

10. Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a drop in blood pressure when standing up quickly from a lying or sitting position.

When administering local anesthetics, the risk of systemic complications can be minimized by:

• Ensuring proper patient selection and informed consent.
• Monitoring vital signs, especially in patients at higher risk for systemic reactions.
• Using the lowest effective dose of the drug.
• Avoiding rapid intravenous injection of large volumes.
• Being aware of the patient's history of allergy or adverse reactions to medications.
• Adequate observation and follow-up after the procedure.