Effects of Lidocaine on Spontaneous Cortical and Subcortical Electrical Activity

Abstract

ALTHOUGH the actions of local anesthetics on the peripheral nervous system have been studied in detail for a number of years,^1-6 only relatively recently has attention been focused on the central effects produced when these agents are given intravenously. This recent interest is due in great measure to the current use of lidocaine (Xylocaine) as an anticonvulsant^7-9 and as an adjunct in general anesthesia.^10-12 An action of the local anesthetics which is difficult to relate to these effects is the production of convulsions in animals^9,13-16 and man^17,18 when higher doses are administered. The effects of intravenously administered lidocaine and other local anesthetics on the electroencephalogram recorded from the surface have been described in cat,¹³ rabbit,¹⁶ monkey,⁹ and man.^18,19 The effects of the drug upon subcortical activities have not been thoroughly studied. Lesse and Gault²⁰ described an alteration in amygdaloid