Which of the following is a common adverse effect of local anesthetic overdose?

Seizures are a common adverse effect associated with local anesthetic overdose due to the impact that excess local anesthetic has on the central nervous system (CNS). Local anesthetics work by blocking sodium channels, which is essential for the propagation of action potentials in nerve cells.

In cases of overdose, there can be an excessive blockade of these sodium channels, leading to an increase in neuronal excitability. This heightened excitability can manifest as seizures, which result from rapid and uncontrolled discharges of neuronal activity. Consequently, monitoring for seizures is critical following the administration of local anesthetics, especially in cases where the dosage may exceed the recommended limits.

Understanding the mechanisms by which local anesthetics function helps clarify why seizures can occur in overdose situations. At elevated plasma concentrations, these agents not only affect peripheral nerves but also can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to the CNS effects that are evident in overdose scenarios.