| Patients with epilepsy: a high-risk population prone to severe burns as a consequence of seizures while showering. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 16278569 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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We document the severe burns sustained by three patients with epilepsy who suffered seizures while showering. On the basis of the circumstances of these accidents, we suggest preventative measures to help other patients with epilepsy avoid similar burn injuries. Patient data collected from January 1987 to May 2004 by the Burn Unit of the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Aachen, Germany, were reviewed. Three patients with epileptic disorders were found who suffered severe burn injuries caused by seizures that occurred while showering. Scald location and depth was assessed. Three patients (two women, one man) sustained extensive scald injuries after epileptic seizures while showering. Burn extent ranged from 20% to 35% TBSA. Scalds primarily affected the trunk, legs, arms, and buttocks. Two of the three patients used showers with levers for controlling water temperature. Safety devices for limiting water temperature were absent. All patients used shower cubicles. Patients with epilepsy may sustain serious burns, typically affecting the trunk, legs, arms, and buttocks, when a seizure occurs while showering. We suggest that individuals with epilepsy use showers designed with pirouetting taps, rather than levers, to regulate water temperature. Pirouetting taps are less likely to be shifted out of position during a seizure. We also recommend that epileptic patients have safety devices installed in their water heaters that limit maximum water temperature. Such safety devices prevent scald injury. And, finally, we suggest that people with comparable disorders generally avoid using shower cubicles. Instead, showers with curtains should be used, which may allow occupants to escape from dangerously hot shower water more easily. |
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Authors:
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Frank Unglaub; Seth Woodruff; Erhan Demir; Norbert Pallua |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Case Reports; Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation Volume: 26 ISSN: 0273-8481 ISO Abbreviation: J Burn Care Rehabil Publication Date: 2005 Nov-Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2005-11-09 Completed Date: 2006-02-09 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8110188 Medline TA: J Burn Care Rehabil Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 526-8; discussion 525 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Plastic Surgery, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Faculty of the University of Technology, Burn Center, Aachen, Germany. |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Accident Prevention
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instrumentation Adolescent Adult Baths / adverse effects*, instrumentation Burns / etiology*, prevention & control Epilepsy / complications* Female Humans Male Protective Devices Safety |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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