Local anaesthetic drugs are injected in the vicinity of nerves to block nerve transmission and thereby produce loss of sensation and movement in the affected area. The local anaesthetic may be simply injected into the wound to reduce discomfort, may be placed around specific nerves, or may be injected around a group of nerves such as with Epidural, Spinal or nerve plexus blockade. This does not affect the conscious state, but is often combined with sedation which reduces anxiety. The degree or depth of sedation is selected according to the procedure and the patient, which may vary between a feeling of tranquility and light sleep.
