Non-traumatic fractures following seizures: two case reports

Abstract

Introduction: Seizures with or without trauma may cause fractures that occur commonly in epileptic seizures. Fracture risk is less reported in non-epileptic seizures. Some metabolic conditions leading to a decrease in bone mineral density may cause fractures secondary to non-epileptic seizure.

Case presentation: We describe two cases of non-traumatic acetabular and vertebrae fractures following seizures without history of epilepsy. They occurred in two male patients, 18 and 48 years old suffering respectively from hypercorticism and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Seizures, occurring inside hospital, were secondary to hypertensive encephalopathy crisis with hypokaliemia in the first case and severe hypoglycaemia in the second one. Fracture was promoted by a decrease in mineral bone density caused respectively by hypercorticism and diabetic chronic renal failure.

Conclusion: These observations emphasize that fracture prevention among patients with decreased mineral bone density should include the avoidance of metabolic causes of seizure.

Figure 1

Radiography of hip after seizures showing left acetabular fracture (Case 1).

Figure 2

Radiography of lumbar vertebras before seizures showing bone demineralization (patient n 2).

Figure 3

Radiography of lumbar vertebras after seizures showing fractures (patient n 2).