Burn: A Predictable but Preventable Tragedy in Epileptic Patients

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy, the world’s most common neurological brain dysfunction, affects more than 50 million people worldwide. Burn injuries can be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the patients. This study assessed the predictable but preventable tragedy in epileptic burn patients. METHODS: From January 2001 to January 2011, data included patient’s demographic, burn cause, Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) of the burn injury, patient’s risk awareness, the type of treatment required as well as the treatment outcome were collected from burn admissions. Totally, 39 patients who sustained burn injuries due to epileptic seizures w were enrolled. RESULTS: Totally, 39 (1.7%) were epileptic with mean age of 30±11 years, 51.3% were female, 41.2% were single and 53.84% were rural residents and 12.8% had academic education. The majority of the thermal injuries occurred at home (82.1%). Flame was the most common cause of burn (66.7%). The mean Total Body Surface Area was 19.69±18.25. Finally, 38 patients were discharged with mortality rate of 2.6%. Thirty patients underwent split or full thickness graft as the most common surgery. Only 5 patients were aware of the burn injury risk during seizure attack. CONCLUSION: Despite reduction in burn injuries secondary to seizure, still such injuries lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Since these patients should adhere to specific medication, controlling it remains to be difficult. So preparation for preventive strategies is consisted of life style modification along with patients’ education that is further warranted.