Femoral neck fracture following an epileptic seizure

Abstract

Although the occurrence of dislocations in shoulders is a well-known complication of convulsive activity, femoral fractures are seen very rare. In this study, a case of a femur neck fracture after epileptic seizure was reported. A 49-year-old man presented to the emergency department following a first grand mal seizure. There was no history of trauma and co-morbid disease. Initial physical examination was normal. When the patient was taken to the computerized tomography room, he experienced 2 generalized tonic-clonic seizures. After the post-ictal period, the patient complained of pain on the left hip and left shoulder. Anteroposterior pelvic and shoulder x-rays were performed. Left femoral neck fracture was found in the pelvic x-ray. Forceful tonic muscular contractions during seizures can result in long-bone fractures as in femur. This potential complication should not be overlooked by emergency physicians. © TÜBİTAK.