A brain disorder causing spontaneous seizures, epilepsy can complicate all areas of life, including physical activities like sports, exercise and other fitness regimens. Weightlifting, in particular, presents serious challenges to epileptics, who may suffer serious injury if stricken with a seizure during participation. Epileptics must take special precautions before undertaking any form of weightlifting, and never begin any exercise program, including weightlifting, without first consulting a doctor.
Types
Epilepsy may produce a wide range of seizures. Neurologists continue to classify exact types of seizures, yet the two main forms are primary generalized seizures and partial seizures. Primary generalized seizures produce an electrical discharge across both sides of the brain, while partial seizures only affect a portion of the brain. Seizures may produce symptoms such as muscle spasms, lack of limb control, behavioral changes, and even loss of consciousness. Any of the aforementioned problems could prove disastrous during weightlifting, leading to falls or possibly dropping heavy weights.
Causes
Dehydration and exhaustion pose the two greatest risks for epileptics while exercising. Lifting weights can be a strenuous activity, producing a lot of perspiration. Salt leaves the body through sweat, and this increased salt loss can lead to a greater risk of dehydration and seizure. Likewise, strenuous physical activity to the point of exhaustion may cause blood sugar levels to drop, possibly triggering seizures.
Benefits
Weightlifting provides many benefits for epileptics when performed in a safe, controlled environment. Weightlifting builds strength, improves muscle tone, and enhances endurance. Regular weightlifting, done safely, may increase self-esteem, alleviate depression, reduce social isolation and improve sleep patterns. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, exercise may also potentially prevent seizures, with regular physical exercise producing a preventive effect in 30 to 40 percent of patients in one study.
Considerations
Epileptics should never lift weights alone. Spotters should always be present to lend assistance in case of emergency. Epileptics should never lift weights heavier than they can control or exercise to the point of exhaustion, as such behavior may increase the risk of seizure. Epileptics must also remember to drink lots of water while weightlifting to prevent dehydration.
Expert Insight
Dr. Nathan B. Fountain of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, recommends people suffering from epilepsy partake in a regular exercise program. In an interview with Epilepsy.com, Dr. Fountain points to a survey of 74 epilepsy patients that showed the ones who exercised experienced fewer seizures. In the same interview, Dr. Fountain also refers to a study that placed 21 epilepsy patients through a four-week program of intense physical activity without any increase in seizure frequency.
