From the Guidelines
Individuals with a seizure disorder can participate in sports, but it is crucial to take specific precautions to minimize risks. The decision to participate in sports should be based on the individual's seizure control, with those who have well-controlled epilepsy being able to engage in a wide range of athletic activities 1.
Key Considerations
- Seizure control is the key factor in determining sports participation, with individuals who have been seizure-free for a certain period facing fewer restrictions.
- Certain sports, such as those involving heights, water, or where a loss of consciousness could be dangerous, carry higher risks and require supervision.
- Medication adherence is vital, and athletes should take their anti-seizure medications exactly as prescribed without missing doses.
- Staying well-hydrated, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and avoiding excessive fatigue can help prevent seizures.
- Informing coaches, teammates, and supervisors about the condition and training them in seizure first aid is essential.
- Protective equipment, such as helmets, is recommended for contact sports.
Benefits of Sports Participation
- Regular exercise may improve epileptic seizure control via reduced epileptiform discharges following exercise and reduce associated comorbidities, as noted in a systematic review of evidence of harm and a call to action published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1.
- Sports participation offers significant physical and psychological benefits for people with seizure disorders, and with proper precautions, the benefits typically outweigh the risks.
Precautions for Higher-Risk Activities
- For sports that carry higher risks, such as climbing, swimming, diving, cycling, or horseback riding, supervision is strongly recommended.
- Individuals with poorly controlled epilepsy may need to individualize their intensity, type, and location of exercise to minimize the risk of harm to themselves and others.
From the Research
Sports Participation with Seizure Disorder
- Individuals with a seizure disorder can participate in sports, as the benefits of physical activity and sports participation outweigh the risks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Regular participation in physical activity can improve both physical and psychosocial outcomes for persons with seizure disorders, including reduced seizure frequency, improved cardiovascular health, and better social integration 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The majority of sports are safe for individuals with seizure disorders to participate in, with special attention to adequate seizure control, close monitoring of medications, and preparation of family, coaches, or trainers 2, 3, 4, 5.
Safe Sports for Individuals with Seizure Disorders
- Contact sports, including football, hockey, and soccer, have not been shown to induce seizures and are considered safe for individuals with seizure disorders to participate in 2, 4.
- Water sports and swimming are also considered safe if seizures are well controlled and direct supervision is present 2.
- Sports involving heights, such as gymnastics, harnessed rock climbing, or horseback riding, require additional care and precautions 2.
Sports to Avoid
- Sports that pose a high risk of severe injury or death if a seizure were to occur, such as hang-gliding, scuba diving, or free climbing, are not recommended for individuals with seizure disorders 2, 4, 5.
Guidelines for Participation
- The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy offers general guidelines concerning the participation of individuals with seizure disorders in sports activities, including the consideration of factors such as the type of sport, seizure control, and individual risk tolerance 3, 5.
- The decision to participate in sports should be based on whether the benefit outweighs the risk, and individuals with seizure disorders should be encouraged to participate in regular aerobic activities and team sports with appropriate precautions and supervision 3, 4, 5, 6.