title: Bone health in adults with epilepsy.
abstract: Patients with epilepsy have a 2-6 times greater risk of bone fractures compared with the general population. There are several potential explanations. Some fractures are caused by seizure-related injuries, or they may be associated with the osteopenic effect of reduced physical activity in patients with epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), especially those that affect the liver enzymes, e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, as well as valproate, are also associated with increased fracture rate and low bone mineral density. Many patients with epilepsy and general practitioners seem unaware of this problem. Measurements of bone density should be taken regularly in patients at risk of developing osteoporosis. Non-pharmaceutical initiatives, such as partaking in regular physical activity and eating a well-balanced diet, should be recommended. The risk of developing osteoporosis should be taken into consideration in the selection of an AED for treating a newly diagnosed patient with epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. sigrid.svalheim@rikshospitalet.no
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Svalheim
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Røste
authors.forename: K O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Nakken
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Taubøll
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants