A Comparison of the Effects of Propofol and Nitrous Oxide on the Electroencephalogram in Epileptic Patients During Conscious Sedation for Dental Procedures

Abstract

The influence of sedative doses of propofol or nitrous oxide on the electroencephalogram was studied in 11 mentally handicapped patients with treated epilepsy undergoing dental procedures. At one session, propofol was titrated to achieve conscious sedation. The mean (+/- SD) dose requirements were 5.5 +/- 1.1 mg.kg-1.h-1. In six patients, the electroencephalogram was unchanged during propofol administration. In three patients, there was a decrease in epileptic activity, and in two patients, paroxysmal discharges disappeared. At another session, nitrous oxide was administered by nasal mask. The mean (+/- SD) concentration of nitrous oxide needed was 43.6% +/- 4.8%. The electroencephalogram did not change in nine patients, whereas in two patients epileptic activity decreased. There were no clinical epileptoid or other adverse manifestations during any treatment or up to 48 h thereafter. The results of the present study suggest that propofol or nitrous oxide can be administered in subanesthetic doses for conscious sedation in mentally handicapped patients with treated epilepsy.

Intravenous sedation for dental patients with intellectual disability

“…2002). It has also been reported that the required dose of propofol for sedation in epileptic patients is higher than that in nonepileptic patients (Oei‐Lim et al. 1992).…”

Evaluating the population with intellectual disability unable to comply with routine dental treatment using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

“…Until now, a common guideline for the application of GA has not been established, although methodological studies have been conducted for the application of intravenous sedation [18,19]. The decision to perform the treatment under GA frequently relays on clinician's estimation and his experience and sometimes is determined by the urgency of the treatment in a situation in which a patient does not cooperate.…”

Sedation of Children for Electroencephalograms

“…13 Deep sedation and anesthesia may not only affect the background EEG activity but also suppress interictal spike discharges. 14 Chloral hydrate has been the most frequently used sedation for our EEG recordings. This medication generally is considered safe when used at sedative doses.…”