People who have epilepsy can participate in many types of exercise without a problem. Regular exercise can help improve your general health and may even decrease seizure frequency in some cases. Although a seizure can occur during exercise, it is less likely to occur if your condition is well-controlled. Ask your doctor's advice before beginning any exercise or sports program.
Identification
Seizures are the primary symptom of epilepsy, a brain disorder. The brain sends out electrical signals to control your organs, muscles and other body structures and systems. If a disruption occurs during the signaling process, a seizure occurs. While exercise can cause seizures in a small number of people, the majority of people with epilepsy can exercise without fear of triggering a seizure. An article in the October 2000 edition of the journal "Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen" reported that strenuous exercise can provoke seizures in approximately 10 percent of people with epilepsy.
Exercise Benefits
Exercise often reduces seizure frequency, relieves depression, reduces social isolation, and promotes cardiac and general health, according to Dr. Nathan P. Fountain of the website Epilepsy.com. Exercise can also help reduce stress, which can trigger a seizure and may improve bone loss caused by taking antiepileptic medications.
Choosing an Exercise
Reducing your risk of injury if you should experience a seizure during exercise is an important consideration when choosing an exercise. Walking, jogging and running provide a complete aerobic workout. Using a grassy or supervised track may be a good idea if you are concerned about experiencing a seizure during a walk or run. If you plan on walking or running alone, avoid walking or running next to traffic and carry a cell phone with you. If medication doesn't keep your symptoms under control, exercise with another person who can assist you should you experience a seizure. Doctors recommend riding a stationary bicycle if you have epilepsy. Using a recumbent bicycle is even safer because the bike is lower to the ground, reducing your falling distance should a seizure occur while you are exercising. Many other types of exercise, including team sports, can be appropriate if your condition is under control. Wearing helmets and appropriate safety gear is especially important if you have epilepsy, as falls during seizures are not uncommon.
Warning
Boxing and other sports that involve blows to the head should be avoided. If your epilepsy is not under control, it is wise to avoid participating in high-risk sports alone. High-risk sports include mountain climbing, sky diving, swimming, horseback riding and skiing. Even if your condition is not well-controlled, you may still be able to participate in these sports at some level if you take certain precautions, such as having someone walk beside your horse during a ride or choosing tandem sky diving rather than individual sky diving.
