Epilepsy and athletics.
It may seem logical to place restrictions on athletes with epilepsy, but there are no studies to suggest that even contact sports exacerbate seizures, and there is ample evidence that exercise reduces seizure frequency and improves well-being. Thus, sports participation should generally be encouraged for epilepsy patients. The risk-benefit analysis for an individual patient is highly dependent on the athletic activity considered; type of seizure, the likelihood that a seizure will occur during the activity, and comorbid conditions. Water sports (scuba diving, swimming, boating), sports performed at heights (piloting, sky diving, climbing, horseback riding), and motor sports require specific considerations.
Fountain
Nathan B
NB
Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. nbf2p@virginia.edu
May
Anthony C
AC
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006985:Hyperventilation / Q000150:complications; D010599:Pharmacokinetics; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D013177:Sports; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000379:methods; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications