Seizure-related injuries in a group of young people with epilepsy wearing protective helmets: Incidence, types and circumstances

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. (c) 2005 BEA Trading Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.