Question

Joseph, age 25 has had three tonic-clonic seizures in the past month. Until now, he has been seizure free for 2 years.

1. What questions should you ask Joseph about taking his medications?

2. Joseph tells you that he has not had the money to buy his medication for 2 weeks. Woulds this be important to tell the physician? Why or why not?

3. Joseph has taken Dilantin for more than 10 years. What does Joseph need to know about mouth and gum prophylactic care? Why?

Answer 1

1.The following questions can be asked in regards to the medication

• The name of the medication with dosage and frequency (enables to devised on what medication and dosage to be administered )
• Is he taking the medication or missed or discontinued (this can will lead to recurrence of the seixure attack)
• Was there any change of medication in the past two years (to assess the classificationof medication he is prescribed)
• Any allergies ( patients may be allergic to one group of medication and not for others)
• Is he taking any OTC drugs  

2.Yes ,it is important to inform this to the physician because there are chances of prescribing a higher dose from the previous medication thinking that the patient shows no improvement with previous dosage.If informed the doctor will rule out the actual symptoms,correlate it and prescribe new medication or continue the same.The other means of getting the medication free of cost can also be suggested and arranged for the patient.

3.Dilantin is the preferred choice of medication in seizure but its usage can cause gum and oral cavity problems like tooth decay and gingivitis.This occurs when patient uses this medicine for a long time with poor oral hygiene,lack of regular dental check up.Hence he should be aware of the prophylactic care like

• Good oral hygiene
• Gargling after food ,flossing can prevent lodging of food particles in teeth
• regular dental check up
• Cleaning the tooth which are decayed are complete extraction to prevent from spreading to other tooth.