Epilepsy campaigners lobby NHS to fund dental treatment for sufferers who injure teeth during seizures

The NHS must provide free dental repairs for people who damage their teeth as a result of epileptic seizures, charity campaigners have urged.

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 steep cost of treatment, according to the Epilepsy Society.

The British charity added that, as a result, many patients are now permanently missing teeth.

‘If a person breaks their nose, arm or leg as a result of a seizure, the injury will be repaired for free on the NHS,’ says Clare Pelham, chief executive at 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 their teeth.

‘We all know the NHS is struggling, but the financial burden should not fall on people who are already coping with a debilitating disability.’

Epilepsy, where sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain causes seizures or fits, affects 600,000 people in the UK. These can be brought on by a number of factors, such as an imbalance of nerve-signalling chemicals in cells, strokes and brain damage. There are several drugs, known as anti-epileptics, which can help reduce the number of seizures people with epilepsy experience.

However, about 200,000 people have uncontrolled seizures –where medication cannot stop the episodes – which can often lead to further injuries when patients fall over.

The NHS currently has no medical exemptions for dental treatment. While it does have payment exemptions for people on low incomes, an Epilepsy Society survey found that three-quarters of people with the condition were not eligible.

‘Teeth are not an optional cosmetic accessory,’ adds Clare Pelham. ‘When people in the UK with uncontrolled seizures crash to the ground without warning, the NHS should be there to pick up the pieces, literally.’

Toby O’Neill, 26, from Hampshire, has lost his two front teeth on his upper jaw, chipped teeth on either side of his mouth and lost fillings because of his seizures.

The Tesco worker says it is unfair that he should pay for repairs which could cost thousands of pounds.

‘I’m angry that I am forced to pay for repairs to my damaged teeth that I have no control over,’ he explains.

‘My teeth are ruined. I don’t want my confidence to be ruined, too. I won’t smile around people at the moment as I’m scared.’