Which local anesthetic complication might cause temporary facial paralysis?

The potential for temporary facial paralysis is primarily associated with a facial nerve injury. When a local anesthetic is administered inappropriately, particularly in the region of the parotid gland, the anesthetic may inadvertently affect the facial nerve. This can lead to a transient loss of motor function in the areas innervated by that nerve, such as the muscles of facial expression. Typically, this paralysis is not permanent and may resolve as the anesthetic wears off, but it can cause significant patient distress during the period of its occurrence.

Fatigue, hemorrhage, and allergic response do not typically result in facial paralysis. Fatigue is a general condition that can occur for a variety of reasons but is not linked specifically to the administration of local anesthetics. Hemorrhage refers to bleeding, which might have other implications but does not directly involve nerve function in a way that would lead to facial paralysis. An allergic response may cause a range of symptoms including rashes or anaphylaxis, but not paralysis of facial muscles. Therefore, the recognition that facial nerve injury is the complication directly causing temporary facial paralysis is crucial in this context.