Burn Injuries in Patients with Epilepsy: A Retrospective Case Series with Focus on Risk Factors
Epilepsy-related Burn Injuries
Keywords:
Epilepsy; Burn Injury; Seizure Frequency; Antiseizure Medications; Injury SeverityAbstract
Background: Burn injuries in patients with epilepsy represent a significant public health issue. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics, causes, and severity of burn injuries in patients with epilepsy and to explore associations with epilepsy-related factors. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 42 patients with epilepsy who sustained burn injuries and were admitted to our hospital between 2015 and 2023. Data on patient demographics, burn type and severity, total body surface area (TBSA), seizure type and frequency, and antiseizure medication (ASM) adherence were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 42 patients (28 males and 14 females; mean age 35.6 ± 12.1 years), the most common causes of burns were direct flame (38.1%) and hot liquids (28.6%). Most burns occurred at home (78.6%) during daily activities. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most frequent type (59.5%). Patients with frequent seizures (>1/month) and those with poor ASM adherence experienced more severe burns and longer hospital stays (P<0.01). Conclusion: Patients with epilepsy are at increased risk of burn injuries, especially in the context of uncontrolled seizures. Effective seizure management may play a key role in reducing the severity of such injuries and associated complications.
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