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Can exercise induce seizures?

Sun, 11/16/2008 - 07:00
All the doctors disagree with me because of the research out there but I gave up running last June because I had a seizure while running. I suddenly collapsed, right before I was going to cross a busy street. The doctors argue that aerobic exercise is especially good for epileptics because it normally relieves stress and depression. I agree with this but I want to be safe when getting back into it again. Once I had a small seizure on a bicycle as well. What does everyone else think? Have you had similar experiences?

Comments

Re: Can exercise induce seizures?

Submitted by akewbc on Wed, 2009-11-04 - 10:26

 

 When I had my first gm seizure at 54, it was right after a step aerobics class. I didn't even realize it at the time but for the six months before it happened I was having more and more difficulty following the instructors dance routine, and I thought it was because of her, not me.  Till my daughter was visiting me and went with me to one and thought I was crazy! (well?)

So obviously I have not been back to step.  But have been walking for the last year or so.  I don't make my goal for more than 3 weeks at a time, but I do have a goal of 10,000 steps every day and its a good incentive. Whenever possible I walk outside but where I live, that's only possible about 3 months of the year.  I do use a treadmill the rest of the time. Since the new medication Vimpat--and the balance issue-I do have to hold on to something and when I walk outside folks think I've had too much to drink but oh well.

I agree it does relieve stress some I think, at least it helps maintain the weight--when most meds side effects is weight gain- I don't run--I just walk-sometimes faster than others--just important to move. 

Because of the balance issue, I haven't tried a bike. But I know I need to be moving to get myself tired enough to sleep--and that's the real challenge.

 

 

 When I had my first gm seizure at 54, it was right after a step aerobics class. I didn't even realize it at the time but for the six months before it happened I was having more and more difficulty following the instructors dance routine, and I thought it was because of her, not me.  Till my daughter was visiting me and went with me to one and thought I was crazy! (well?)

So obviously I have not been back to step.  But have been walking for the last year or so.  I don't make my goal for more than 3 weeks at a time, but I do have a goal of 10,000 steps every day and its a good incentive. Whenever possible I walk outside but where I live, that's only possible about 3 months of the year.  I do use a treadmill the rest of the time. Since the new medication Vimpat--and the balance issue-I do have to hold on to something and when I walk outside folks think I've had too much to drink but oh well.

I agree it does relieve stress some I think, at least it helps maintain the weight--when most meds side effects is weight gain- I don't run--I just walk-sometimes faster than others--just important to move. 

Because of the balance issue, I haven't tried a bike. But I know I need to be moving to get myself tired enough to sleep--and that's the real challenge.

 

Re: Can exercise induce seizures?

Submitted by BarbaraAnn on Wed, 2011-05-18 - 09:00

Why are you off balance?  I overexercised and ruined some nerves.  I wear a insert that goes up to the kneeand wraps around.  Helps a lot. I have cut back on exercise tremendously for fear of a seizure.

Why are you off balance?  I overexercised and ruined some nerves.  I wear a insert that goes up to the kneeand wraps around.  Helps a lot. I have cut back on exercise tremendously for fear of a seizure.

Re: Can exercise induce seizures?

Submitted by pwalker on Wed, 2009-11-04 - 17:42
I'm an avide tennis player and play in extreme weather conditions hot/cold.  Although I have not experienced a gran mal seizure on the court I have experienced simple absence seizures.  It is my belief that balance of electrolites, sugar, potassium etc. play a huge! role particularly during high heat.  Sport drinks should be considered in moderation and only during extreme heat.  Too much electrolite will keep me from sleeping if I drink it later than say 5 p.m.  At times during stressful/competitive tennis matches, I sometimes feel muscle weakness and irritability but can resolve that rather quickly by taking a few swallows of a sugary soda.  I think a great deal has to do with "balance" of the three ingredients mentioned above.  The key is to always be prepared for whatever feeling you are going to have...weakness and fatigure (sugar levels, electrolites), confusion (sugar levels, electrolites), muscle cramping (sugar levels, electrolites, potassium).  DO NOT gulp a sport drink because you have extreme thirst. It will raise your levels too quickly.  Two or three good swallows of sport drink followed by water is best.  Everything in moderation!  I also don't think many epileptics understand the consiquences of too much caffeine, electrolite (sport drinks), power drinks (instant energy), etc.  All of these will interfer with your sleep pattern and ability to control brain activity.  This wasn't something my doctors told me about...it's something I literally discovered on my own through trial and error about 5 years ago before any studies were released about the affects.  Also, sport drinks ARE NOT formulated for children.  If your child plays sports and consumes sport drinks during activities you should dilute them with water.  I know....the bottle doesn't say that?!  Children do not need to consume sport drinks on a casual basis. Only during sweating and fatigue situations, or illnesses which may cause dehydration.  College students are at high risk for seizures with all of the instant energy formulas out there coupled with all night studying and partying.  It's a formula for disaster.  Pay attention to what your body is telling you and you'll be in better health for doing so.

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