Epilepsy affects more than 300,000 children under age 14 in the United States, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Children with epilepsy experience their condition in different ways, from mild symptoms tamed by medication to severe problems that interfere with everyday living. No matter how severe their condition, children with epilepsy can become involved in activities with other kids as long as some individualized precautions are taken.
Swimming
All children with epilepsy should be supervised while swimming, although the severity of a child’s condition will determine how much supervision she requires. If a child has poorly controlled seizures that affect her motor abilities and consciousness, she should be closely monitored by a lifeguard who is aware of her condition, according to Massachusetts General Hospital. Alternately, a child with a better controlled condition doesn’t require as much supervision but should never be permitted to swim alone, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.
Camping
Camping trips offer children opportunities to interact with others in a new and exciting environment, and children with epilepsy needn’t be left out of the fun. If a child has a severe form of epilepsy, he may benefit from attending a camp that is tailored to children with epilepsy, suggests TLC Family online. However, he may also attend a typical camp as long as an adult trained in seizure recognition and first aid is always available.
Biking
Children affected by poorly controlled, severe forms of epilepsy can become seriously injured on bikes. If a child experiences a seizure that affects her motor control or consciousness, for example, she may veer off a sidewalk during a seizure before a parent can do anything to stop it from happening, according to Massachusetts General Hospital. As a result, she should only be allowed to ride her bike in areas such as parks, where cars aren’t nearby. Children with well-controlled epilepsy or children whose epilepsy doesn’t affect motor control or consciousness may ride anywhere, but, like anyone, should wear protective gear such as bike helmets, says Massachusetts General Hospital.
Organized Sports
Children who have epilepsy may be permitted to participate in both individual and team sports, but some may have trouble with team sports. According to Massachusetts General Hospital, people with epilepsy commonly experience issues with working memory and attention, so sports that require memorizing and recalling plays may not be as enjoyable as individual sports such as karate and gymnastics. Although, with a sport such as gymnastics, children with severe and poorly controlled epilepsy should avoid events that occur high up, such as vaults, rings and the high bar, suggests Massachusetts General Hospital. Similarly, a high up activity such as horseback riding may require extra supervision, says TLC Family.
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