Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 21, 2019
Seizure-related injuries in children and adolescents with epilepsy
IkeOluwa A Lagunju1, Alexander O Oyinlade1, Olubusayo D Babatunde1
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Insights
Children with epilepsy experience more injuries than their peers. Higher seizure frequency and polytherapy increase the risk of multiple injuries in pediatric epilepsy patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epilepsy Research
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Children with epilepsy face a heightened risk of injuries compared to healthy children.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for effective management and care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of seizure-related injuries in children with epilepsy.
- To compare injury rates in epileptic children with a control group.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month study at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, evaluated 125 children with epilepsy and 125 controls.
- Structured questionnaires assessed injuries over the preceding 12 months.
- Data were compared between epilepsy patients and age/sex-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Children with epilepsy had significantly more injuries (OR 1.935).
- 45.6% of epileptic children sustained seizure-related injuries, with common types including skin lacerations, oral injuries, and head trauma.
- Increased seizure frequency and polytherapy were associated with a higher risk of multiple injuries.
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy is a significant risk factor for childhood injuries.
- High seizure frequency is linked to an increased likelihood of multiple injuries in children with epilepsy.
Background:
Children with epilepsy are reported to be at a greater risk of injuries compared with their peers who do not have epilepsy.
Objectives:
We set out to determine the frequency and pattern of seizure-related injuries in children with epilepsy seen at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria.
Methods:
Consecutive cases of epilepsy seen at the pediatric neurology clinic of the UCH, Ibadan over a period of 6months were evaluated for injuries in the preceding 12months using a structured questionnaire. These were compared with age- and sex-matched controls.
Results:
A total of 125 children with epilepsy and 125 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Injuries occurred more frequently in children with epilepsy than in their peers (p=0.01, OR 1.935, 95% CI 1.142-3.280). Epilepsy was generalized in 80 (64.0%), and localization-related in 45 (36.0%). Idiopathic epilepsy accounted for 74 (59.2%), and the remaining 51 (40.8%) had remote symptomatic epilepsy. Fifty-seven (45.6%) children had suffered seizure-related injuries with multiple injuries in 31 (24.8%). The most frequent were skin/soft tissue lacerations (26.4%), injuries to the tongue and soft tissues of the mouth (19.2%), minor head injuries (15.2%), and dental injuries with tooth loss (8.0%). There was a statistically significant association between seizure frequency and seizure-related injuries (p=0.002). Children on polytherapy had a significantly higher frequency of seizure-related injuries (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
Epilepsy is a major risk factor for injuries in childhood. High seizure frequency increases the risk of multiple injuries in children with epilepsy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
01:08Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists