Amaurosis, an Unusual Complication Secondary to Inferior Alveolar Nerve Anesthesia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Ocular complications after an inferior alveolar nerve anesthesia are rare. These complications, although temporary and benign, can be distressing to both the patient and the clinician. A 37-year-old male patient was administered an inferior alveolar nerve block for the root canal treatment of tooth #30. Immediately after the administration of local anesthesia, the patient reported complete loss of vision. The patient recovered completely after 15 minutes. In particular, amaurosis is quite uncommon and usually heralds a more sinister pathology such as stroke. This case report presents an unusual case of ocular complication after an inferior alveolar nerve block. Adequate knowledge of the regional anatomy and physiology of the orbit and its nearby structures, the proposed causes of ocular complications, and prevention and management is necessary to manage such events.