Unprecedented bilateral humeral shaft fracture after cesarean section due to epileptic seizure per se

Abstract

Abstract Despite the fact that spontaneous (non-traumatic) bilateral humeral fractures without trauma are seen as a rare entity, especially grand mal epileptic convulsions may result in these types of fracture in the adult. A 32-year-old early postpartum patient without osteoporosis and with a history of epilepsy is presented here. She had not used anticonvulsant drugs for nearly ten years. After a convulsive epileptic attack on the day of a cesarean section, bilateral humeral shaft fractures were diagnosed on the 5th postpartum day causing bilateral shoulder pain. An earlier chest anteroposterior X-ray including the humerus would be a help in order to perform earlier diagnosis. It should be taken into consideration that humeral bone fractures may happen without any trauma especially in early postpartum patients. A high degree of suspicion should be kept in mind while treating a patient in the post-ictal phase; as, if treated promptly, treatment leads to complete functional recovery.