06/05/2026
Management of Seizure in Dental Chair
🚨 “Patient Started Seizing on the Dental Chair… What Would YOU Do?” 😳💀
You’re in the middle of a routine procedure…
Suddenly the patient stiffens… starts jerking… loses consciousness…
👉 This is NOT the time to panic. This is where YOU become the emergency leader.
⚡ SEIZURE IN DENTAL CHAIR — STEP-BY-STEP MANAGEMENT
🛑 1. STOP EVERYTHING
Remove instruments, cotton rolls, dentures
Clear the mouth only if safe before jaw clenching
🛡️ 2. PROTECT THE PATIENT
Lower the chair
Clear surrounding area
Support the head
Loosen tight clothing
👉 Do NOT restrain the patient
🚫 3. WHAT YOU MUST NEVER DO
❌ Do NOT put anything in the mouth
❌ Do NOT give water or meds during seizure
❌ Do NOT try to stop the movements
💡 Exam Trap: “Swallowing tongue” is a myth
⏱️ 4. TIME THE SEIZURE
< 2 min → usually self-limiting
> 5 min → 🚨 MEDICAL EMERGENCY (Status Epilepticus)
🔄 5. AFTER SEIZURE STOPS
Turn patient to recovery position
Suction if needed
Give oxygen
Monitor vitals
Allow postictal recovery (confusion is normal)
🚨 6. CALL EMS IF:
Seizure > 5 minutes
Repeated seizures
First episode
Injury or breathing difficulty
Known systemic risk (diabetes/pregnancy)
💊 7. DRUG PEARL (INBDE FAVORITE)
Benzodiazepines = FIRST LINE
(Midazolam / Diazepam)
🦷 8. DENTAL GOLD POINTS
Do NOT continue treatment same day
Ask history: triggers, meds, last seizure
Phenytoin → Gingival enlargement 🔥
💀 MCQ 1
A patient develops generalized tonic-clonic seizure during extraction. What is the MOST appropriate immediate step?
A. Insert mouth gag
B. Restrain patient firmly
C. Give oral glucose
D. Remove instruments and protect from injury
🧠 MCQ 2
Which is CONTRAINDICATED during an active seizure?
A. Oxygen after seizure
B. Recovery position
C. Placing object in mouth
D. Monitoring vitals
Post your answers in comment 👇
