Nervous System Disorders: An Overview

• Disorders of the Nervous System Part 1
• Presented by Mrs Hemington
• Module: BMS

GDC Learning Outcomes

• Explain general and systemic diseases and their relevance to oral health.
• Describe relevant and appropriate physiology and explain how it applies to patient management.
• Recognize the importance of recording a comprehensive and contemporaneous patient history.
• Assess patient anxiety levels, experience, and expectations related to dental care.
• Obtain valid consent before starting treatment, explaining all options and costs.
• Plan and deliver care in the patient's best interests.
• Identify differing patient needs from the treatment plan and refer when needed.
• Treat all patients with equality, respect, and dignity.
• Explain the impact of medical and psychological conditions on patients.
• Manage patient anxiety and pain through communication, reassurance, and behavioral techniques.
• Refer to other dental or healthcare professionals and arrange appropriate follow-up care
• Discuss the role of the dental therapist and team in patient management.
• Recognize risks in the clinical environment and manage them safely.
• Take responsibility for the quality of care provided.
• Recognize signs of abuse or neglect and understand how to raise concerns.
• Recognize the dental team's responsibilities as an access point to wider healthcare.
• Provide comprehensive and accurate preventive education.
• Underpin patient care with a preventive approach for long-term oral and general health.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• List disorders affecting the nervous system.
• Outline the disorders and describe their signs and symptoms.
• Recognize the dental implications these disorders and their treatments may have on delivery of care.

Nervous or Neurological Disorders

• Physical conditions or diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems
• Central nervous system disorders include brain tumors, encephalitis, epilepsy, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's
• Peripheral nervous system disorders include peripheral neuropathy (e.g., carpal tunnel), diabetic polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, sciatica, and facial nerve paralysis

Causes of Nervous System Disorders

• Congenital factors
• Vascular issues
• Infections (fungal, viral, bacterial, parasitic)
• Degenerative conditions
• Trauma
• Environmental factors
• Risk factors include habits, other conditions, gender, age, and genetics

Presentation of Nervous System Disorders

• Pain
• Muscle malfunction
• Changes in sensation, special senses, consciousness and cognition
• Sleep problems
• Other symptoms include dysphagia and dysarthria
• Presentations vary

Dental Considerations for Patients with Nervous System Disorders

• Medication side effects and interactions
• Consent
• Access
• Compliance with treatment
• Behavior management
• Impaired memory
• Special equipment and considerations

Presentation Details

• Create a poster design (mind map, PowerPoint slide) to present to the group on November 28th
• Include definition, cause, treatment, dental implications, and dental treatment modifications
• Sources should be referenced (may be on a separate slide if space is limited)

Presentation Groups

• Dementia: Aneesha, Anna, Annabelle, Asli
• Motor Neurone Disease: Ayesha, Brooke, Emily, Faye
• Huntingdon's Disease: Gabriela, Hadia, Jasmine
• Cerebral Palsy: Jessica M, Jessica O, Julie
• Stroke: Kanaith, Katya, Manjeeta
• Parkinson's Disease: Manoj, Mentalah, Mohammed
• Epilepsy (and seizures): Nicole, Rachael, Uzair, Zahrah