Your brain uses a complex series of electrical communications to transmit information throughout the body. When these electrical signals go awry, seizures can result -- a condition known as epilepsy. If you have epilepsy, you can usually exercise safely but must take some precautions.
Exercise and Seizure Risk
Neurologist and epilepsy expert Steven B. Pacia of New York University says that only about 10 percent of patients appear to have an increased risk of seizures due to exercise. This condition can produce a number of different types of seizures, and you should talk to your doctor about risks associated with your type of epilepsy.
Research
Neurologist Nathan B. Fountain of the University of Virginia notes that a major study that examined 15,000 epilepsy sufferers over 36 years reported zero incidences of exercise-induced seizures. Though he notes it is possible in theory, he explains that it's quite rare and that medical literature only contains reports of three patients who suffered from seizures caused by exercising.
Factors that Increase Seizure Risk
The Better Health Channel, a website created by the Australian government, explains that although seizures during exercise are unlikely, failure to take certain precautions could create factors that would increase the risk of a seizure later. Exercising when extremely tired or exercising to the point of extreme fatigue can increase seizure risk. Other risk factors related to exercise include dehydration, low blood sugar and increasing body temperature too much.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor for guidance before staring a new exercise program or taking part in a new sport. Physical activity can alter levels of your anti-epileptic drugs; Better Health Channel recommends having blood levels of the drug continuously monitored if you take part in regular physical activity. This is particularly important in the early months. Because seizures can come on suddenly without warning, take certain precautions to ensure your safety during activity. If taking a jog or walk alone, let someone know where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. If partaking in activities with other people, let them know about your condition and what to do if you have a seizure. Always keep medication on you. Make sure you have fluids and a sugar-rich snack handy to prevent dehydration and low blood sugar.
Benefits of Exercise
Studies indicate exercise can reduce the risk of seizures. Fountain notes research that showed women who exercised for three months experienced fewer seizures during this time compared to when they did not. He also says brain scans of children during exercise showed improvement in the electrical activity of their brain. Better Health Channel says exercise improves overall fitness and improved sense of well-being, both linked to reduce incidences of seizure.
