Exercise and Epilepsy

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Dignan

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My neuro frustrated me on my last visit. I enjoy running; I've been doing it for years and I've noticed that during that time, I've had very few seizures.

But yesterday, my neuro tried to tell me that exercise could cause the drugs in my system to degrade faster possibly leaving me more vulnerable to seizure. I think this is total BS and when I challenged him on it noting that I've been running for 7 years and that it had been over 7 years since my last generalized seizure and over 3.5 years since my last aura, he tried to take the opposite side of the argument and say well it would only degrade to a point and then the exercise would be helpful for seizures. This came up because I had a seizure on Feb 7th (for the first time in over 7 years) and the resulting soreness is going to keep me out of a half marathon I was supposed to run.

So which is it? I'm tired of feeling he is trying to scare me into doing exactly as he says and then when I call him on it he flip flops.

Does anyone have any opinion on exercise and epilepsy??
 
To the extent that metabolism affects absorption rates and blood serum levels of your meds, I suppose your neuro is right. BUT that would really only be worth considering if you had just taken up running or significantly increased your metabolism some other way. Given that you've been doing it for 7 years and it never affected you before, then I agree with the Neuro = BS equation.
 
Your neuro is right...it would go through your system much quicker and you could sweat it out, etc...BUT exercise helps your epilepsy. So essentially you may need less to get by if you are working out. I would think it would balance out just fine and if you aren't having issues...why change your routine for more side effects?
 
One of my neurologists, my epi, says that exercise is good. It doesn't affect much. So do it.

My other neurologist (my headache specialist) says hold off and don't exercise - it is making my intracranial hypertension (IIH) worse, making my really bad headaches into I-think-I'm-gonna-die headaches.

I met in the middle and walk as much as I feel like I can.
 
I agree with the above posts; you've been running for the past seven years and haven't had issues, so it shouldn't be a problem now. I'll admit though, that I have seen an association with seizures after longer-than-usual days and races. So, I guess I agree with your neurologist there, but I don't think deterring you from running is the answer.

Since he suspects running has increased the rate you metabolize the meds, maybe you ask him if it would help to take an extra half pill or whatever on an as-needed basis.
 
when I exercise...

on a regular basis I have less siezures. Yea I was told th same bout the drug degrading faster, but guess what..... I told him that he should probably research that more in depth cause I thought that his source of information was flawed. I dont think he liked that. I find that when one is physically fit and healthy, siezures are'nt as much of a problem. I kept exercising too. LOL. I can tell ya when I stop exercising on a daily basis, after afew weeks I start t aura sometimes even flop on th floor. Then workin myself back t th point where I can exercise is a pain too. So.... I'm not a doctor but it is your brain and you know how you feel doin what ect.
 
exercise

Listen to your own body. The benefits far out weigh the risk. Using common sense, replacing fluids, having med levels checked regularly.
I exercise 4 hours a week. Will do it til my last breath! It is my life line. :bigsmile:
 
I agree. There's absolutely a positive correlation with the amount of time I exercise and my level of sanity. I'd be off-the-deep-end nutso if I didn't stay active.

I have an identical twin who tore her MCL a month ago, and we're about ready to rip each other's hair out. I can't wait til she can get back to exercising like she used to.
 
Since you are posting from Texas, I'm wondering how hot it has been while you were running outdoors. Do you train for marathons indoors or outside?

Personally, I am strongly in favor of exercising. It really helps minimize stress. We had a lot of extremely hot weather last summer and extremely cold temperatures over the winter. I had to find an indoor facility to workout on machinery and treadmills. It kept a consistent temperature for my workouts.

My best exercise partner is my mutt. We do at least 2 miles on a regular basis. We just have to rinse her feet off due to ice melter, rock salt, lawn treatments and other hazardous materials out there.
 
i have to take more of the meds i am on than some who weighs the same as me because of the amount i exerecise. you burn more calories and fats by sweating and using your muscles, I say exersice. I was asked to cut back the amount and no more triathalons they lead to seizures for me.

Different meds also react different, and were you on the same meds then. Take what your doc said into account, but also listen to your body. and try not to kill yourself.
 
It was hot during the summer no doubt, and I usually do my running outdoors. But I had already tapered off of Dilantin and was taking a minimum amount of Neurontin for a year with no problems.

Then the doc brings it up a year later, and I'm thinking he's full of crap. I'm on Keppra now, but if it was a such a concern why did he never mention it before and why didn't I have any seizures the past7 years until this February?

It just sounds like to me he's guessing wildly, which I don't like because it puts doubt in a patients mind. If he doesnt know what to do then just say so. But, don't critique my life..
 
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