Can local anesthetics lead to permanent nerve damage?

Local anesthetics can indeed lead to permanent nerve damage, but such occurrences are rare and primarily associated with specific techniques or circumstances. For instance, nerve injuries may result from improper needle placement, excessive volume of anesthetic, or direct trauma during injection. Conditions like compression of the nerve or inflammation following the injection can also contribute to nerve damage.

The statement that this side effect is "rare" aligns with clinical observations, as most local anesthesia procedures are performed safely without complications. The use of appropriate techniques, such as the correct identification of anatomical landmarks and using the smallest effective dose, minimizes the risk of adverse outcomes.

While it is true that certain populations, like the elderly, may have a greater susceptibility to nerve injuries due to pre-existing conditions, this does not mean that nerve damage is exclusively a risk for them. Similarly, the perspective that local anesthetics are "completely safe" neglects the potential for complications that can arise, albeit infrequently, during their use.