lidocaine test

Indications

• to confirm the diagnosis of neuropathic pain (peripheral or central)

Dosage

• lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg IV or SC given slowly over 15 minutes

Caution: stop the test if adverse effects noted

Adverse effects

• numbness & tingling (paresthesias) of extremities
• arrhythmia
• exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF)

A positive test is pain relief within 30 minutes

More general terms

• clinical procedure

Additional terms

• dexamethasone (Decadron, Maxidex, AK-Dex, Ozurdex)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Alledryl, Allergival)
• metoclopramide (Reglan, Metozolv ODT)