Burns in Epileptics with Special Reference to Kangri Burns

Background: During seizure attacks patients may suffer severe trauma such as deep burns, limb fractures, head and neck injuries. Most burns in epileptic patients occur during major seizures. Such burns were always full-thickness. Because of extreme cold conditions people in Kashmir valley especially in rural areas use Kangri to keep themselves warm. This Kangri which is already notorious for causing Kangri cancer has an additional disadvantage in causing deep burns mainly to the hands in epileptic patients. Objective: (1) To analyse the epidemiological data of burnt hospitalised epileptic patients. (2) To determine the frequency, causes and consequences of burns in patients with epilepsy stressing on Kangri burns in epileptics. Study design and Method: It was both a retrospective and prospective study. All patients of epileptic burns admitted in the hospital from Jan 2005 to Nov 2012 were included. In the retrospective group, the case records of epileptic burnt patients were carefully analysed. All new patients were evaluated in detail. Results: Out of 73 patients 32(43%) were in the age group of 16–30 years. Mean age was 26 ± 17 years. Majority of the patients 46(63%) were females. 61(84%) patients belonged to rural areas. Kangri was the most common etiological agent of epileptic burns in 46(63%) patients.37 (52%) had sustained full thickness burns and Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) involved was up to 5% only. Commonest site of burns was hands/upper limbs 40 (56%). Amputation of the gangrenous digits/hands was the commonest surgery performed in 22(25%) patients. Complication in burnt epileptic patients was the loss of a body part 22(41%) followed by contracture 16(36%), wound infection 11(21%) and loss of vision in 1(2%) patients. Conclusion: Epileptic patients should avoid high risk situations like working alone in the kitchen. Kangri should be replaced by alternative simple and safe warming devices.