During an inferior alveolar block, what causes a patient to feel a sudden electrical shock?

When performing an inferior alveolar block, a patient may experience a sudden electrical shock sensation due to the needle contacting the lingual nerve. This is because the lingual nerve, which provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and the floor of the mouth, is located close to the inferior alveolar nerve. If the needle inadvertently touches the lingual nerve during the injection, the patient may perceive this as a sharp, electrical sensation due to the activation of sensory neurons associated with the nerve.

Proper technique and careful anatomical knowledge are crucial in avoiding this sensation. Understanding the proximity of the lingual nerve to the injection site helps practitioners perform the block with greater precision, thereby minimizing discomfort for the patient.