Posted in Volume 16 - Number 1
BILAL FAZAL SHAIKH, ABDUL RAZAK MEMON, S. M. TAHIR
ABSTRACT | Full Text PDF
BACKGROUND: Burn injuries among epileptics are very much common. This study examines the hazard of burns among epileptic patients.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and etiology, complications and mortality of burn injuries among epileptic patients.
METHODOLOGY: A prospective descriptive evaluation of all burn victims seen in Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Burns Unit, Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro/Hyderabad, Pakistan was conducted between April 2004 and May 2009. All relative information was collected through annual admission register and patient’s treatment files.
RESULTS: Fifty Four epileptics were admitted with burn injuries as a result of elliptic seizures. Forty four patients (81.48%) were females and 10 patients (18.51%) were males. All female patients sustained burn injury in kitchen while cooking. The total body surface area (TBSA) burn ranged from 6& to 70%, with a mean of 24.33% TBSA burn. The majority of the injuries were full thickness. The commonest complication observed was contracture in 30 patients (55.55%), wound infection was seen in 16 patients (29.62%). Three patients (5.55%) died during the course of treatment.
CONCLUSION: Lack of good understanding and education regarding epilepsy is the most vital hinder that causes difficulties in management of epileptic burn patients. Female epileptics should not enter in kitchen alone, male epileptics should not drive vehicle or operate heavy machinery.
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