Skiing - Opinions needed

[Crazy Monkey]

I was chatting to a work colleague today who has recently been on a skiing trip. I have always been unsure whether this is a sport that I should avoid. I have never been one to avoid doing activities because of my E, but this one is a bit of a grey area for me. I would dearly love to try skiing, but I am trying to decide whether I would be safe enough.

The Epilepsy Action website advises against skiing unless the seizures are well controlled. Over the last few weeks my seizures have increased and I am currently having 2-20 second absences approx 50-200 times a day. (2 weeks ago I counted about 300 seizures in 1 day)

Another thing I am taking into consideration is triggers, I am thinking that sunlight on snow could be a possible trigger for me.

I thought I would put this on the board because I would be interested in hearing some of your opinions.

[skillefer]

I would suggest getting your neurologist's opinion...and remember, there's more than one kind of skiing. While downhill skiing might not be a good idea till you get a better control of your seizures, you might want to consider trying cross country skiing. If the neurologist is ok with it, try training for it now, get your triggers sorted out because you'll need to have them under control too, and then try it.

[epileric]

I think it depends on how strong your seizures are & how much control you have during them. When I was younger I've skid down hills at amazing speeds during a seizure but I know I wouldn't want to be doing that the way they are now.
It might be an idea to take lessons on the beginners hill first & see how comfortable you feel to get a better idea of what your limits are.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[Crazy Monkey]

Hey Skilly

I will check with my neurologist when I go and see her in April.

I was talking about downhill skiing rather then cross country, although cross country would certainly be the safer option as the same level of concentration and control is not required. Its just it doesn't look as much fun.

Eric - most of the time I am completely "out of it" during a seizure, but I do manage to stay in control of my body structure. But if I am moving fast or doing an activity that requires balance then it can be more of an issue. As I have had accidents riding my bike and skating. Beginners hill, good idea

[Cint]

If you think that the sunlight on the snow could possibly be a seizure trigger, then perhaps you should consider avoiding this sport. Or maybe wear a helmet. I assume you heard of the skiing accident of actress Natasha Richardson an a beginners ski slope? She hit her head and died in 2 days due to the head injury. IMO, I think all downhill skiers should wear helmets.

I live in the Rockies and I don't downhill ski, but I do on occasion cross country ski, since I can go at my own pace.

Cindy

[Crazy Monkey]

If I decide to go ahead and give skiing a go, I would definitely wear a helmet, it is essential safety equipment whether you are epileptic or not, I saw all about Natasha Richardson's accident and how a helmet would have saved her life.

Yes, I do think that sunlight on snow could potentially be a trigger or the sun flashing between the trees.

Eric - my seizures are not severe, they are mostly absences unless I am overloaded on triggers, then the severity changes, but never to tonic clonic's. I think it was more the quantity of seizures that I have which made me ask the question as they are so frequent, with hardly any respite from them, maybe an hour or 2 a day if I am lucky.

[hawke86]

I wouldn't try it. That's my opinion.

[Meetz1064]

I would stick with the cross country skiing, and wear polarized sunglasses, too, to help with the sunlight triggers.

But DO talk to your neurologist...........