Journal of Capital Medical University ›› 2024, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (1): 133-139.doi: 10. 3969/ j. issn. 1006-7795. 2024. 01. 021

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Clinical analysis of seizure-induced non-traumatic vertebral fractures

Guo Yan1,Cui Tao2*   

  1. 1.Department of Neurology,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University,Xinxiang 453002,China; 2.Epilepsy Center,Department of Neurology,Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases,Beijing 100070,China
  • Received:2023-09-25 Online:2024-02-21 Published:2024-03-22
  • Supported by:
    This study was supported by Opening Foundation of Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy (2021DXBL02)

Abstract: Objective  To summarize the clinical features of seizure-induced non-traumatic vertebral fractures and improve their recognition. Methods  Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients who developed non-traumatic spinal fractures caused by seizure in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2020 to January 2023.  Results  In our retrospective analysis,we identified 4 patients who were diagnosed with non-traumatic vertebral fractures caused by seizure. Our patients were all males,with the average age of 36.3 years. In 3 of the cases,the multilevel vertebral compression fractures were located in the upper and midthoracic spine. There was only one instance of multilevel lumbar vertebral fractures. Local pain,with an atypical nature and scope,was the most common clinical symptom observed in these patients. In 75% of cases,the fracture diagnosis was missed at initial presentation. A bone density test was only performed on one patient at the time of the vertebral fracture occurred. Every patient experienced a complete recovery after conservative or surgical therapy. Conclusion  Seizure-induced non-traumatic vertebral fractures occur predominantly in young and middle-aged males,and the common pattern is thoracolumbar compression fractures. The clinical symptoms and signs of this particular type of fractures are atypical,which is prone to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. A detailed history and examination,including spinal imaging,are important for the diagnosis of these patients. Controlling seizure is considered to be the main preventive method. Chronic epilepsy patients should be advised to get a bone density test and they should take calcium and vitamin D supplements,when necessary,for preventing the incidence of new vertebral fracture.

Key words: seizure, vertebral fracture, non-traumatic, clinical analysis

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