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You may have been told or thought that exercise can bring on seizures. Not necessarily so. At lease for a large population of those with epilepsy…
While some medical literature in the past reported that seizures could be induced by exercise, there are also more recent reports that exercise can be beneficial to those with epilepsy.
Many people with epilepsy, especially those with uncontrolled seizures, live a sedentary life and have low physical fitness. Regular physical exercise may have a moderate seizure preventive effect in 30-40% of the patient population, while in about 10%, strenuous exercise may provoke seizures.
Clinical and experimental studies have analyzed the effect of physical exercise on epilepsy. Although there are rare cases of exercise-induced seizures, studies have shown that physical activity can decrease seizure frequency, as well as lead to improved cardiovascular and psychological health in people with epilepsy.
Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, clearly benefits people with epilepsy because it often reduces seizure frequency, relieves depression, reduces social isolation, and promotes cardiac and general health.
In one study, 14 women completed a 3-month prospective exercise program and reported a significant reduction in seizure frequency during the period in which they exercised. In another prospective study, 26 children with intractable epilepsy underwent video-EEG monitoring during exercise and more than half showed a significant improvement in their EEG activity. A survey of 74 patients with epilepsy reported that those who exercised had significantly fewer seizures.
Research has found that most people with epilepsy experience improved electroencephalograph (EEG) readings during and after exercise. The reasons for this are unknown, but theories include:
The heavy breathing associated with exercise stops the build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood...
Reduction and management of stress...
Increase of ‘feel good’ brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) may calm the brain...
Concentration may focus the brain so that seizures are less likely...
Now, I’m not saying you should hike up Mt. Everest, sail the Bahamas, or swim across the Atlantic Ocean. Hang gliding and sky diving aren’t such a good idea either. And I wouldn’t recommend roller blades, skiing, or motorcycle jaunts.
But if you listen to your body, stop when you start feeling tired and slowly build up your routine, exercise can make you feel good, look great and put your mind in a better place.
Personally, I’ve been walking 3 miles a day for 20 years. I find it energizing and calming at the same time. Sometimes, I use “heavy hands” which start at one pound each. When I was younger, I was up to 5 pounds in each hand, but age has caught up with me, I’m sad to say.
Other things you can try are: jazzercise (although it makes me a little dizzy), ballet, if you just stick to the exercise part and don’t go twirling around the floor (I take private lessons), aerobics, use of a recumbent exercise bicycle, Pilates, yoga, and light weight bearing exercises, but be sure you have a trainer and please, skip the treadmill or the elliptical machine, no matter how macho you’re feeling.
Also, keep these exercise safety points in mind, for your own protection:
Before starting any new exercise program, consult with your doctor or specialist.
Avoid known seizure triggers.
Always take your medication as prescribed.
Make sure your sporting companions are aware of your condition and know what to do if you have a seizure.
Let family or friends know your walking, jogging or exercise route before you leave and how long you will be out.
And don’t forget to have FUN!!!
Resources:
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/Exercise_and_Epilepsy.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11109396
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1855766
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
http://www.eidoactive.co.uk/how-exercise-can-help/epilepsy
Copyright © 2009, Phylis Feiner Johnson. All rights reserved.
www:epilepsytalk.com
While some medical literature in the past reported that seizures could be induced by exercise, there are also more recent reports that exercise can be beneficial to those with epilepsy.
Many people with epilepsy, especially those with uncontrolled seizures, live a sedentary life and have low physical fitness. Regular physical exercise may have a moderate seizure preventive effect in 30-40% of the patient population, while in about 10%, strenuous exercise may provoke seizures.
Clinical and experimental studies have analyzed the effect of physical exercise on epilepsy. Although there are rare cases of exercise-induced seizures, studies have shown that physical activity can decrease seizure frequency, as well as lead to improved cardiovascular and psychological health in people with epilepsy.
Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, clearly benefits people with epilepsy because it often reduces seizure frequency, relieves depression, reduces social isolation, and promotes cardiac and general health.
In one study, 14 women completed a 3-month prospective exercise program and reported a significant reduction in seizure frequency during the period in which they exercised. In another prospective study, 26 children with intractable epilepsy underwent video-EEG monitoring during exercise and more than half showed a significant improvement in their EEG activity. A survey of 74 patients with epilepsy reported that those who exercised had significantly fewer seizures.
Research has found that most people with epilepsy experience improved electroencephalograph (EEG) readings during and after exercise. The reasons for this are unknown, but theories include:
The heavy breathing associated with exercise stops the build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood...
Reduction and management of stress...
Increase of ‘feel good’ brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) may calm the brain...
Concentration may focus the brain so that seizures are less likely...
Now, I’m not saying you should hike up Mt. Everest, sail the Bahamas, or swim across the Atlantic Ocean. Hang gliding and sky diving aren’t such a good idea either. And I wouldn’t recommend roller blades, skiing, or motorcycle jaunts.
But if you listen to your body, stop when you start feeling tired and slowly build up your routine, exercise can make you feel good, look great and put your mind in a better place.
Personally, I’ve been walking 3 miles a day for 20 years. I find it energizing and calming at the same time. Sometimes, I use “heavy hands” which start at one pound each. When I was younger, I was up to 5 pounds in each hand, but age has caught up with me, I’m sad to say.
Other things you can try are: jazzercise (although it makes me a little dizzy), ballet, if you just stick to the exercise part and don’t go twirling around the floor (I take private lessons), aerobics, use of a recumbent exercise bicycle, Pilates, yoga, and light weight bearing exercises, but be sure you have a trainer and please, skip the treadmill or the elliptical machine, no matter how macho you’re feeling.
Also, keep these exercise safety points in mind, for your own protection:
Before starting any new exercise program, consult with your doctor or specialist.
Avoid known seizure triggers.
Always take your medication as prescribed.
Make sure your sporting companions are aware of your condition and know what to do if you have a seizure.
Let family or friends know your walking, jogging or exercise route before you leave and how long you will be out.
And don’t forget to have FUN!!!
Resources:
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/Exercise_and_Epilepsy.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11109396
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1855766
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
http://www.eidoactive.co.uk/how-exercise-can-help/epilepsy
Copyright © 2009, Phylis Feiner Johnson. All rights reserved.
www:epilepsytalk.com