Epilepsy activists are lobbying the NHS to fund dental treatment for patients who damage teeth during seizures
- Patients with epilepsy can suffer injuries, such as a chipped tooth, from a seizure
- About half do not have these repaired because of the high cost of dental treatment
The NHS should offer free dental repairs to people who damage their teeth as a result of seizures, charity activists have urged.
According to the Epilepsy Association, half of those who have suffered dental injuries from an epileptic seizure, such as broken or chipped teeth, have not had them repaired due to the high cost of treatment.
The UK charity added that many patients are now permanently missing teeth as a result.
‘If a person breaks their nose, arm or leg as a result of an attack, the injury is repaired free of charge by the NHS,’ says Clare Pelham, managing director of the Epilepsy Society.
“But if they break their teeth—and many with epilepsy do—they are expected to foot the bill themselves or get by without teeth.
According to the Epilepsy Society, half of those who have suffered dental injuries from an epileptic seizure, such as broken or chipped teeth, have not had them repaired due to the high cost of treatment.
“We all know the NHS is struggling, but the financial burden should not be placed on people who are already dealing with a debilitating disability.”
Epilepsy, in which sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain cause seizures or fits, affects 600,000 people in Britain. These can be caused by a number of factors, such as an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals in cells, strokes, and brain damage. There are several medications, known as anticonvulsants, that can help reduce the number of seizures that people with epilepsy experience.
However, about 200,000 people have uncontrolled seizures — where drugs fail to stop episodes — which can often lead to further injury if patients fall over.
The NHS currently has no medical exemptions for dental treatment. While there are payment exemptions for low-income earners, a survey by the Epilepsy Society found that three-quarters of people with the condition were ineligible.
“Teeth are not an optional cosmetic accessory,” adds Clare Pelham. “If people in Britain fall to the ground with uncontrolled seizures without warning, the NHS should be there to literally pick up the pieces.”
Toby O’Neill, 26, from Hampshire, has lost his two front teeth in his upper jaw, chipped teeth on either side of his mouth and lost fillings due to his seizures.
The Tesco employee says it is unfair that he has to pay for repairs that could cost thousands of euros.
“I’m angry that I have to pay for repairs to my damaged teeth that are beyond my control,” he explains.
‘My teeth are broken. I also don’t want my self confidence to be ruined. I won’t smile at the moment when I look at people because I’m afraid.’