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28 Aug 2008
People who suffer from epilepsy are up to 19 times more likely to drown that those who do not have the condition, according to a study by staff at University College London in the UK.
The examination of 51 studies from around the globe by the researchers showed a total of 88 deaths as a result of drowning in epileptics, where five would normally be expected in the general population, the study noted.
According to the researchers, many of the noted fatalities could have been prevented.
Swimming with a friend rather than alone and advising lifeguards of their condition could save the lives of those with the neurological disorder in the event of a seizure occurring, the staff stated.
Professor Ley Sander, leader of the study, stated: "The numbers are relatively small but the important thing is that these deaths are preventable. Every year a number of patients die in the bath so convincing people to take showers would be life-saving."
The World Health Organisation notes it is likely that around 50 million people in the world have epilepsy at any one time.
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