The increased incidence of burns in people with epilepsy has long been recognised. Previous surveys (via questionnaires in clinic or burns unit admissions) have identified cooking, showering, and heaters as the most common causes. The duration of epilepsy and frequency of seizures have been recognised as the greatest risk factors,1-4 compounded by lack of awareness and education among people with epilepsy about the risk of burns.3

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, causes, and consequences of burns and scalds in patients with epilepsy. The population comprised patients with chronic epilepsy who were resident at the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (CCE). The residential part of the CCE consists of a series of houses that provide for varying degrees of independence in terms of self care. There is also a short stay tertiary referral inpatient assessment facility and a medical and nursing unit on site where any injury is documented and assessed.

The daily records of the Medical and Nursing Unit for the year June 1995–6 were examined and any record of a burn extracted and followed until it was recorded as healed. The records for the day of the burn were then examined to determine the cause of the burn and whether it was seizure related.

The residential houses were divided into three groups according to the level of self care of the patients within each. Dependency was largely governed by physical infirmity rather than by severity of the seizure disorder.

• Dependent (98 residents)—all meals and hot drinks provided and help given with personal care.

• Intermediate (94 residents)—all meals provided, some residents make their own hot drinks and there is a variable level of independence with personal care.

• Independent (111 residents)—independent with regard to hot drinks, …