Perioperative Management of Patients With Seizure Disorders: Part I

Epilepsy and seizure activity in dental patients can pose difficult management and treatment considerations for dental professionals, especially for those utilizing sedation and general anesthesia in office-based settings. This 2-part review will provide an overview of current approaches to managing patients with seizure disorders in dental settings. The first part of this review focuses on categorization, identification, and management strategies for seizure disorders, including pharmacological treatment, surgical intervention, and other emerging therapies. The second part of this review will highlight treatment considerations for patients with seizure disorders undergoing sedation or general anesthesia for dental care, including the effects of sedatives and anesthetic agents on seizure activity, strategies for maintaining seizure control, and management of drug interactions.