Seizure Disorders

Question 1

Seizure

Answer 1

A. Def: Temporary episode of behavior alteration due to massive abnormal electrical discharges in one or more areas of the brain
B. Causes:
1. Extreme systemic stress, such as hypoxia or rapid drop in blood glucose
2. Infants and children: sudden elevation in body temperature
3. Damage or disease of brain
4. Seizure disorders in families
C. Statistics
D. Epilepsy

Question 2

Types of Seizure

Answer 2

A. Partial seizures:
1. Simple partial seizures with no loss of consciousness
a. Aura
B. Generalized seizures:
1. Tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures (GTCS) most common type
a. Four phases of a seizure
1. Aura or prodomal phase
2. Pre-ictal phase
3. Ictal phase (tonic, hypertonic, clonic)
4. Post-seizure or post-ictal phase
2. Absence or petit mal seizures

Question 3

Treatment Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Answer 3

1. Stop all dental activity
2. Loosen tight clothing
3. Place patient in supine position on LEFT side to minimize aspirations
4. If seizure begins, do not attempt to move patient
5. Activate emergency medical system; CABs
6. Gently restrain patient to avoid self-injury with care to protect injury to head and body