# Burn Injuries in Patients with Epilepsy: A Retrospective Case Series with Focus on Risk Factors: Epilepsy-related Burn Injuries

## TL;DR

People with epilepsy are at higher risk of burn injuries, especially during uncontrolled seizures, and poor medication adherence worsens outcomes.

## Contribution

This study identifies seizure frequency and ASM adherence as key factors influencing burn severity in epilepsy patients.

## Key findings

- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common seizure type among patients with burn injuries.
- Frequent seizures and poor ASM adherence correlated with more severe burns and longer hospital stays.
- Most burns occurred at home during daily activities, with direct flame and hot liquids as primary causes.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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 (P0.01).

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.