Seizure-Related Injuries in Northeast Thailand
Somsak Tiamkao MD*, Orawan Amornsin MD*, Chatlert Pongchaiyakul MD*, Thanin Asawavichienjinda MD**, Prapun Yaudnopakao MD***, Suthipun Jitpimolmard MD****, Suwanna Arunpongpaisal MD****, Warinthorn Phuttharak MD****, Narong Aaauevitchayapat MD****, Suda Vannaprasaht MD****, Siriporn Tiamkao MD****, Kutcharin Phunikhom MD****, Aporanee Chaiyakum BCT****, Jiamjit Saengsuwan MPsarm****, Surin Saetang MD****
Affiliation : * Department of Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen ** Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima *** Surin Hospital, Surin **** Epilepsy Research Group, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen
Objective : The authors aimed to assess the frequency, characteristics, and risk of seizure-related injuries from
traffic accidents, near-drowning, burns, fractures, head and soft tissue injuries.
Materials and Methods : Attending physicians assisted 300 consecutive seizure patients to complete a question-
naire. The types and frequency of injuries were then expressed in terms of the type of seizure and related
activity.
Results : The male (154) and female (146) patients were between 13 and 91 years of age (mean, 36.27 (cid:31) 14.55).
The seizure types comprised of Generalized Tonic-Clonic (GTC) (26%), secondary GTCs (21%) and complex
partials (19%). Secondary causes accounted for 34% of seizures, and post-stroke was the most common
(25.5%). The total number of seizure events per year was 8,525 and of these 7,306 included a fall with soft
tissue injury (70%), head injury (22%), near-drowning (3%), burns (3%) and fracture or dislocation (1%).
The ranking of significant risk factors for injuries was: 1) GTC seizure; 2) seizure with a fall; and, 3) number
of seizures.
Conclusion : Seizure-related injuries are common among Thai epileptic patients; thus, consistent treatment
and education about the risk of injury would protect patients.
Keywords : Epilepsy, Seizure-related injuries
