Dental management of a child with perisylvian syndrome and associated cerebral palsy under general anaesthesia: a case report

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive neurological disorders that affect movement and posture. It is frequently associated with intellectual disabilities, seizure disorders, and oromotor dysfunction. Perisylvian syndrome is a rare cortical malformation that further complicates management due to epilepsy and orofacial motor deficits. This report aims to describe the successful dental management of a child with CP and focal seizures secondary to perisylvian syndrome under general anaesthesia. A male pediatric patient aged 14 years with CP and focal seizures presented with a pain in the upper and lower right posterior teeth for three months. Due to uncooperative behaviour and multiple carious lesions, treatment under general anaesthesia was planned. Dental management included oral prophylaxis, indirect pulp capping, and GIC restorations. The procedure was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with appropriate postoperative care instructions. On one-year follow-up, restorations remained intact, oral hygiene had improved, and there were no new carious lesions or recurrence of symptoms. Comprehensive dental care for children with CP and perisylvian syndrome can be successfully provided under general anaesthesia when conventional management fails. Long-term follow-up demonstrated favourable outcomes, emphasizing the importance of continuous preventive care. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and perioperative planning in delivering safe and effective dental treatment to children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders.