D Deekollu1, F M C Besag, S E Aylett. 1. The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK. david_jsd@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: To provide information on the incidence, types and circumstances of injuries sustained in a group of young people with epilepsy using protective helmets. METHODS: Thirty-three residential students (21 M, 12 F, age range 5-21, mean 14.5 years) attending a special epilepsy centre over 1 year were provided with helmets. The types of protective measures, seizure frequency, types of injuries, circumstances and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Fourteen thousand seven hundred and fifty-one seizures were recorded in the 33 patients, which resulted in 59 injuries. The seizure-related injury risk was 4/1000 seizures. Scalp and facial bruises were the commonest injury (51%). Additional protective measures, such as bed guards and padding of dinner tables and sinks, were used for 57% of these students. Helmets were in use in 46% of the accidents; 68% of these accidents resulted in facial or scalp injuries, which required medical attention in 48%. Helmets were not in use in 41% of accidents; 57% of these accidents resulted in facial or scalp injuries, which required medical attention in 36%. Data on wearing of helmets in the accidents were unavailable in 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries continue to occur despite the use of helmets. Changes to the helmet design and modifications to suit the seizure type may improve the protection offered by helmets.
PURPOSE: To provide information on the incidence, types and circumstances of injuries sustained in a group of young people with epilepsy using protective helmets. METHODS: Thirty-three residential students (21 M, 12 F, age range 5-21, mean 14.5 years) attending a special epilepsy centre over 1 year were provided with helmets. The types of protective measures, seizure frequency, types of injuries, circumstances and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Fourteen thousand seven hundred and fifty-one seizures were recorded in the 33 patients, which resulted in 59 injuries. The seizure-related injury risk was 4/1000 seizures. Scalp and facial bruises were the commonest injury (51%). Additional protective measures, such as bed guards and padding of dinner tables and sinks, were used for 57% of these students. Helmets were in use in 46% of the accidents; 68% of these accidents resulted in facial or scalp injuries, which required medical attention in 48%. Helmets were not in use in 41% of accidents; 57% of these accidents resulted in facial or scalp injuries, which required medical attention in 36%. Data on wearing of helmets in the accidents were unavailable in 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries continue to occur despite the use of helmets. Changes to the helmet design and modifications to suit the seizure type may improve the protection offered by helmets.