title: Seizure-related injuries and hospitalizations: self-report data from the 2010 Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine self-report data on seizure-related injuries and hospitalizations.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed data from the 2010 Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Survey, distributed to registrants on the Australian Epilepsy Research Register. 343 responses were received (55% response rate), providing insight into experiences of living with seizures. This article examines self-report data on injuries related to seizures and hospitalizations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  64% of those reporting injuries required hospital treatment. Respondents with seizure-related injuries had significantly earlier seizure onset, with risk of injury related to myoclonic and atonic seizures and currently taking 3 or more AEDs. Soft tissue injuries were the most frequently reported (85%), with 27% indicating facial injuries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The high rate of hospitalizations largely for soft tissue injuries suggests that access to more appropriate care was not available. Further research into care-seeking behavior by Australians suffering injury following seizure is required. Additionally, awareness of injury risks is important for appropriate self-management of epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Disability & Community Inclusion, School of Medicine, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia. Michelle.Bellon@flinders.edu.au
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bellon
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peterson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D057566:Self Report; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult