Chapter 8

Question 1

What is a seizure?

Answer 1

Temporary episode of behavior alteration due to massive abnormal electrical discharges in one or more areas of the brain.
Cerebral function characterized by spontaneous, electric discharges from collections of neurons in the cerebral cortex

Question 2

The electrical activity in the brain may be recorded by what device?

Answer 2

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Question 3

What are some events that may cause seizures in the dental setting?

Answer 3

Hypoglycemia
Hypoxia secondary to syncope
Local anesthetic toxicity
Epilepsy

Question 4

True or False

Approximately half of all seizures are idiopathic or “without known cause”

Answer 4

True

Question 5

What is epilepsy?

Answer 5

Chronic, recurrent, attacks of involuntary behavior or changes in neurological function, with each episode classified as a seizure.

Question 6

True or False

Epilepsy is a common disorder that affects approximately 3 million persons in the United States.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

True or False

A seizure is not a disease but a symptom of underlying central nervous system dysfunction.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What are the two categories of seizures?

Answer 8

Primary/unprovoked (idiopathic seizures)

Secondary/provoked (acute symptomatic seizures)

Question 9

True or False

Primary epilepsy compromises about 65% of seizure disorders and is believed to have a genetic predisposition.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What are some disorders that may cause secondary or provoked seizures?

Answer 10

Electrolyte imbalances
Hypoglycemia
Hypoxia
Hypocalcemia
Uremia
Alkalosis
Ingestion of toxins
Rapid withdrawal of addictive drugs
Injury to the CNS (congenital and perinatal infections, trauma, hypoxia during delivery)

Question 11

What are some medications known to be epileptogenic (seizure provoking)?

Answer 11

Penicillin
Hypoglycemic agents
Local anesthetics
Phenothiazines

Question 12

True or False

Tumors or other space-occupying lesions of the CNS are the most common cause of acquired secondary seizures in the 35-50 year age group, and seizures are the initial symptom of 40% of these patients.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

True or False

Any disease that impairs blood flow to the brain can provoke a seizure.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What is photosensitive epilepsy?

Answer 14

Cause of seizures in children and adults exposed to flickering lights or geometric patterns of video games.

Question 15

True or False

After the underlying disease is treated, the aim of treatment is to control the seizures with the least disruption in the patient’s life and the fewest side effects.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

True or False

Drug therapy will completely eliminate seizures in one-third of patients and greatly reduce the frequency of seizures in another third.

Answer 16

True