Age-related fractures in people with intellectual disability and epilepsy

Abstract

The present paper describes age-related fractures in 68 people with intellectual disability and epilepsy (39 females and 29 males). A higher incidence of fractures in epileptic subjects (26%) was noted when they were compared with non-epileptic patients (15%). In the sample of 263 epileptics (121 females and 142 males), a higher number of females (32%) sustained fractures than their male counterparts (20%). The peak period of all fractures is between 40 and 49 years of age. The highest incidence of fractures in females occurred during the periods from 10 to 19 and 40 to 49 years, while the peak was between 30 and 39 years for males. The causes of fractures and preventative measures are discussed, and further avenues for research are indicated.