Exposed to hot water for an extended time due to a seizure during a shower
Severe burns and nerve damage... Two years reliant on a wheelchair
A woman in her 30s from the United Kingdom, who was suffering from epilepsy, experienced a seizure while showering and was exposed to hot water for an extended period, resulting in full-body burns. Due to this accident, she had to rely on a wheelchair for nearly two years and is reportedly still undergoing rehabilitation for nerve damage and pain.
A woman in her 30s from the United Kingdom, diagnosed with epilepsy, suffered a full-body burn after having a seizure while showering and has been reliant on a wheelchair for nearly two years. Photo by Getty Images Bank
Full-body burns from a seizure during a shower... Two years in a wheelchair
According to a recent report by the British media outlet The Sun, Annie Perez, 38, from Chingford, London, collapsed from an epileptic seizure while showering at her accommodation in June 2022, where she was staying to attend a concert by her favorite band. During this incident, she was exposed to hot water and suffered full-body burns.
As an epilepsy patient, Perez typically left the bathroom door unlocked to prepare for emergencies. Her friends, who were with her, noticed water leaking from the bathroom, opened the door, and discovered her in the midst of a seizure. Perez was then airlifted to the hospital by helicopter for emergency treatment.
Perez regained consciousness two days after the accident and was found to have suffered severe burns on 11% of her body, including her left arm and both legs. After three weeks of treatment at a hospital in Italy, she was transferred to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, where she continued inpatient care for two months. As a result of the accident, Perez had to use a wheelchair, a walker, and a cane for about two years. She continues to suffer from pain caused by nerve damage and is undergoing long-term rehabilitation, including laser therapy, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy.
A woman in her 30s from the UK, diagnosed with epilepsy, suffered a seizure while showering, resulting in full-body burns and has been reliant on a wheelchair for nearly two years. Photo by Getty Images Bank
How to respond to a seizure
Epilepsy is a representative chronic neurological disorder characterized by seizures caused by irregular excitation of brain nerve cells. The symptoms are highly diverse and difficult to pinpoint. However, if someone loses consciousness, experiences muscle stiffness and tremors, drops their head, or suddenly collapses, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital.
It is known that people with epilepsy have about twice the mortality rate of the general population. While the exact cause is unknown, trauma from seizures, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory complications, are believed to contribute. When increased excitability of nerve cells disrupts the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, and cardiac asystole can occur, potentially leading to sudden death.
When a seizure occurs, ensuring safety is the top priority. Any sharp or dangerous objects nearby should be removed. Many patients vomit during seizures, and if they remain lying on their back, vomit can enter the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia, so their head should be turned to the side. Seizure symptoms usually last for one to two minutes; if consciousness does not return, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
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