Seizure-induced thoracic spine compression fracture: case report.
BACKGROUND
Vertebral fracture caused solely by a convulsive seizure has rarely been reported in the neurosurgical literature.


METHODS
We describe a 34-year-old male with severe back pain from a thoracic fracture occurring in association with a seizure during hospitalization for treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy. Bone mineral densities in the lumbar spine and the femoral neck were decreased, possibly by long-term anti-epileptic medication. Muscle contractions during a seizure can result in vertebral fractures, especially at the thoracic levels.


CONCLUSIONS
A complaint of back pain after a convulsive seizure should prompt radiologic investigation for vertebral fracture, even in the absence of external trauma.
Takahashi
Toshiyuki
T
Department of Neurosurgery, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
Tominaga
Teiji
T
Shamoto
Hiroshi
H
Shimizu
Hiroaki
H
Yoshimoto
Takashi
T
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000927:Anticonvulsants