Apa Paper On Epilepsy

Epilepsy and the Oral Cavity Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) in which nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness (MayoClinic). Diagnosis of epilepsy is not an easy task as it comes in many forms and can range anywhere from a blank stare to full body convulsions, but once it is diagnosed, epilepsy can often be treated with medication and the patient can live a normal life. One thing that must be noted is that these medications can have side effects that are detrimental to the oral cavity. An epileptic seizure can present itself in something as simple as a blank stare or it may be as severe as a full body tonic-clonic convulsive state. Most seizures cause no lasting harm and range in length from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, however, if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or the patient is having multiple seizures in a row without gaining consciousness in between, it …show more content…
Antiepileptic medications and seizures can both have devastating effects on the oral cavity of someone with epilepsy. These include: chipped and broken teeth, irritated gums, gingival hypertrophy (overgrown gums), periodontal disease, bleeding gums, xerostomia (dry mouth), postoperative bleeding and susceptibility to oral infections such as canker sores and lesions (Josh Provides). Fortunately, these effects can be prevented and/or treated by keeping up with 6 month dental check-ups and by making sure the dentist is aware of the condition and medications being taken. An epileptic patient should also make sure to notify the dental team of their seizure history and should be sure to let them know if they experience and aura. This will help the dental team to be prepared if a seizure takes