Incidence of burns caused by epileptic crisis in Paraguay

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was initiated in order to evaluate the epileptic crisis as causes of serious burns that merit an admission to hospital. Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study based on information on admission reports and medical records of patients who met the inclusion criteria to be enrolled in the present investigation. The Institution studied was the Public Hospital Specialized in Burns, in Asuncion City, Republic of Paraguay, South America. Results: From 937 adult patients admitted in the National Centre of Burns in Paraguay during the study period, in only 35 of them their burns were due to epileptic seizures, which represent 3.73% of all admissions. The average age of those affected was 40 ± 16.5 years. 62.86% of the patients were female and 65.71% of those affected came from rural areas where to heat homes and to cook food braziers are used. Education and prevention campaigns to reduce burn injuries in people with seizure disorders may help to minimize the incidence of these cases.