Introduction

These pages give information on why some people may develop bone diseases due to their anti-epileptic drugs. These bone diseases are osteoporosis and osteomalacia. There is also information on where to get help.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become brittle. This results in a loss of bone density (when the bones become porous) and increases the risk of bone fractures.

What is osteomalacia?

Osteomalacia is a disease that softens the bones causing muscle weakness and bone pain. This can increase the risk of bone fractures.

In this section

• Possible causes of brittle bones or softening of the bones
• Treatment
• Finding out if you have brittle bones or softening of the bones
• Requesting a bone density scan
• Where you can get more information about osteoporosis/osteomalacia, including treatment information

Acknowledgement
Epilepsy Action would like to thank Lesley McCoy, Epilepsy Nurse Specialist, Durham, UK, for reviewing Epilepsy and osteoporosis/osteomalacia before publication.

Conflict of interest
Lesley McCoy declares that there is no conflict of interest.

Where you can get more information about osteoporosis/osteomalacia including treatment information

National Osteoporosis Society, Camerton, Bath BA2 0PJ, Tel: 01761 471 771 (for general enquiries), Fax: 01761 471 104, Helpline: 0845 4500 230, website: www.nos.org.uk, Email: info@nos.org.uk