[Fractures explained by disturbed sleep: an unexpected neurological etiology]
Chloé Lanci1, Hanene Lassoued2,3, Elena Gonzalez Rodriguez2
1Service de médecine interne, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, 1011 Lausanne.
Revue Medicale Suisse
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Spontaneous fractures can be an early indicator of neurological diseases like epilepsy or sleep movement disorders. This underrecognized connection warrants greater medical awareness to improve patient diagnosis and care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- The association between neurological disorders and fractures is documented.
- Fractures occurring without apparent trauma as initial symptoms of neurological conditions are less recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To increase medical professionals' awareness of spontaneous fractures as potential early signs of neurological diseases.
- To highlight the likely underestimated incidence of this diagnostic pathway.
Main Methods:
- Review of published clinical cases.
- Presentation of clinical vignettes illustrating the phenomenon.
Main Results:
- Clinical cases and literature review suggest a connection between unexplained fractures and underlying neurological conditions.
- The incidence of fractures as an inaugural symptom of neurological disease is likely underestimated.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous fractures may be the first manifestation of neurological diseases, including nocturnal epilepsy and sleep-related movement disorders.
- Enhanced clinical vigilance for fractures without trauma is crucial for early neurological disease detection.
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