Epilepsy Management

D E N TA L E M E R G E N C Y M A N A G E M E N T

EPILEPSY

EPILEPSY

●Disorders of brain function characterized by recurring seizures.

Electrical disturbance in one section of nerve cells causing uncontrolled electrical discharges.

How Epilepsy is diagnosed..

●History

●Physical Exam

●Electroencephalogram

●MRI (Neuro-imaging)

●CT Scan

TYPES OF SEIZURES

GENERALIZED SEIZURES

The phases of gran-mal seizure are as follows:

Atonic seizures produce an abrupt loss of muscle tone.

Other names for this type of seizure include drop attacks, astatic or akinetic seizures.

They produce head drops, loss of posture, or sudden collapse.

PARTIAL SEIZURES

MEDICATIONS

● Diazepam (Valium) this will stop motor movement

● Phenytoin (Dilatin)

● Phenobarbital (Barbita)

● Paraldehyde

● Thiopentahl sodium (Pentotal sodium)

● General anesthesia may also be used as a treatment of last resort to stop seizure activity

Managing the patient

Injury prevention for the patient with seizure is a PRIORITY.

Stay calmKeep person safe, remove dangerous objectsPatient should be placed on the floor and remove

any obstructive itemsPatient should never be forced into a positionPad side rails Do not attempt to pry open jaws that are clenched

in a spasm to insert anything.If possible place the patient on one side with head

flexed forward

Seizure in a dental chair

Do not remove the person from the dental chair unless absolutely necessary

Secure dentalchair to prevent the person from falling

Protect and support head

Ensure breathing is unobstructed and allow secretions to flow from mouth

Pad dentalchair to prevent injuries to limbs

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