Epilepsy and Anti-Epileptics Overview

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What is the primary characteristic of most forms of epilepsy?

Defects in ionic conductance of the neuronal membrane

Inhibitory mechanisms involving the neurotransmitter GABA

Periodic and abnormal discharge of nervous tissue

Violent involuntary muscle contractions (correct)

What is the primary objective of anticonvulsant therapy?

To cure epilepsy

To reduce the blood concentrations of anticonvulsant medication

To promote the production of glutamate

To suppress seizures while causing minimal impairment of CNS function (correct)

What is the role of anticonvulsants in epilepsy?

They have no effect on epilepsy

They control epilepsy but do not cure it (correct)

They cure epilepsy

They prevent epilepsy

What is the importance of planning appointments for epileptic patients?

To plan for times when they have high blood concentrations of anticonvulsant medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of hypotheses proposed to explain why seizures occur?

Defects in ionic conductance of the neuronal membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential role of anticonvulsants in addition to controlling seizures?

They have a neuroprotective role Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when treating seizures in a dental clinic?

The prompt treatment of the seizure Signup and view all the answers

Which medication can be administered through multiple routes, including intravenously, intramuscularly, intranasally, or intrabuccally?

Midazolam Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of phenytoin specific to dentistry?

Gingival overgrowth Signup and view all the answers

Where does phenytoin-induced overgrowth most commonly occur?

Anterior mandibular region Signup and view all the answers

How can the rate of development of gingival overgrowth be diminished?

By proper oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What is an alternative to IV administration of anticonvulsant medication in a dental office?

Rectal gel administration Signup and view all the answers

What should the dentist do if a patient reports an aura before a seizure?

Remove all instruments from the patient's mouth and prepare for a seizure Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of a seizure in a dental patient?

2 to 5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should the dentist do if a patient has an obstructed airway after a seizure?

Position the head, neck, and jaw to ensure a clear airway Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask the patient about triggering stimuli before treatment?

To avoid triggering a seizure during treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of seizures induced by local anesthetic overdoses?

They are typically longer and may require anticonvulsant treatment Signup and view all the answers

What should the dentist avoid doing during a tonic-clonic seizure?

Trying to open the patient's mouth Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of Phenytoin?

It blocks Na+ channels Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapeutic use of Fosphenytoin?

IM and IV use for status epilepticus Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse reaction of Phenytoin?

Gum hyperplasia Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapeutic use of Carbamazepine in dentistry?

Topical application for trigeminal neuralgia Signup and view all the answers

What is an interaction of Phenytoin with other drugs?

It increases the metabolism of oral anticoagulants Signup and view all the answers

What is a complication of Phenytoin-induced oral complications?

Megaloblastic anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of ethosuximide?

It blocks Ca++ channels (T-type) Signup and view all the answers

What is a therapeutic use of valproic acid in medicine and dentistry?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a gastrointestinal side effect of valproic acid?

Anorexia Signup and view all the answers

What is a central nervous system side effect of valproic acid?

Sedation Signup and view all the answers

What is a mechanism of action of valproic acid?