Local anesthetics in cerebral ischemia.
Local anesthetics are thought to be potentially beneficial in ischemia because they reduce cerebral energy expenditure and may prevent ischemic membrane depolarization. In vitro studies and in vivo studies in models of focal ischemia have indeed shown a benefit from the prophylactic use of lidocaine. Results in global ischemia have been conflicting. The effects of lidocaine may reflect a neurovascular rather than a membrane-stabilizing effect.
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A W
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Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospital, and the Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.