List the treatment that would be provided for a patient experiencing a seizure.
PT, a 29-year-old male, presents with a positive medical history. He indicates that he has a seizure disorder, but has been stabilized with medications and has not had a seizure in 18 months. The auxiliary enters the treatment room and begins speaking to the patient about the procedure on tooth number 2. As the treatment explanation continues, the patient becomes less responsive and quieter. The auxiliary notifies the dentist of the patient change in consciousness.
What will be an ideal response?
Treatment:
1. Remove all dental objects from the patient’s mouth.
2. Remove dental equipment on which the patient may hit and injure himself, but if possible, do not move the patient.
3. Remove glasses and loosen tight clothing such as neckties. Dentures or partial dentures should remain in the patient’s mouth unless they are causing an airway obstruction.
4. Call EMS. There is always a possibility of injury during a seizure. Furthermore, if the patient stops breathing and does not recuperate immediately or if the seizure seems to pass from one episode right into the next, which would indicate the possibility of status epilepticus, EMS would need to be on site.
5. Do not force anything into the patient’s mouth.
6. Do not restrain the patient.
7. Once the seizure has ended, turn the patient on one side so any secretions are not aspirated. Remember during the entire seizure that an opened airway must be maintained above all else.
8. The patient who begins to regain consciousness needs reassurance and may be confused as to what happened and what day it is. Also, most patients will be embarrassed by the episode; you should do whatever possible to alleviate this embarrassment and maintain the patient’s dignity.
9. Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink until he is fully alert.
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