Playing sports and exercising with epilepsy

Contrary to popular belief, having a history of epilepsy or other types of seizure disorders does not automatically mean you should avoid sports. In short, a healthy body leads to a happy brain.

• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by unprovoked, repeated seizures.
• A seizure occurs when there is too much electricity in the brain, causing the body to involuntarily react.

There is one major component to consider when discussing epilepsy and sports: the time of the last seizure.

• Three months or less: If the seizure occurred within the past three months, you should ease into any sport or physical activity. The brain is still sensitive.
• Four months or more: The more time that passes since the last seizure, the better. Time is key.

What sports are safe for people with epilepsy?

Physical health is important when it comes to epilepsy and seizures. If you are sleeping well and exercising, you are less likely to have seizures. Sports are an excellent way to exercise.

• Protecting the head is key whether you have a history of seizures or not.
• Sports such as golf, tennis and swimming are less likely to expose you to a head injury than other sports.
• Most sports are safe if you are following the advice of your neurologist and taking your medication as prescribed.  

Activities to avoid with epilepsy

People who have a history of seizures can run marathons and play sports such as hockey and football if their neurologist has no objections. They should, however, avoid extreme activities such as running 50 miles a day. If it is too much strain on the body, it is too much strain on the brain.  

Are people with epilepsy at higher risk of injury during sports?

People with epilepsy should be more careful to avoid head injuries in general, but there is no definite rule saying they are at a higher risk of injury during sports.  

Game plan for safe participation

• If it has been years since the last seizure, take the same precautions as any other athlete.
• You will have to deal with restrictions if there has been a seizure within the last couple of months.
• Swimmers shouldn’t be in the water alone.
• Athletes playing sports such as football, hockey, basketball and soccer should play no contact during practice until enough time has passed, and the neurologist says it is safe to resume normal activities.  
• Athletes playing at the college or professional level will have to follow the rules of the governing body, in addition to the guidance of their neurologist, before returning to normal play.

Should you tell people about your epilepsy?

Athletes may want to tell their coaches even if a significant amount of time has passed since the last seizure. Ultimately, sharing a diagnosis is a personal choice. It's up to each athlete to decide if teammates should know that information.

People need exercise and social interaction whether they are living with epilepsy or not. A healthy body helps create a healthy brain. As long as they are under the care of a neurologist and following that guidance, they can enjoy any sport they want to try.