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Running provoking seizures

Wed, 12/02/2009 - 13:16

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with complex partial epilepsy 3 years ago, which was when I found out I'd had it since I was 11 or 12 and just never saw a doc about it because it had never gotten in the way before. Now, I know that there are other discussions on here about exercise and epilepsy, but they seem to focus on people who are trying to get in shape (no offense!) The thing is sometimes I still get seizures even though I am on medication, and these seizures occur almost always (98% of them) while I am running, which is a small issue for me because I am a marathoner and have to run practically every day. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with focusing on the rhythym of running or what, but I wanted to check and see if any other generally fit person had an issue with running provoking their seizures. Sometimes cycling can bring them on, too, but nowhere near as frequently, and other sports that might involve running (ie soccer) don't seem to cause any problems. In fact, general exercise like weights, situps, elipticals, etc. don't cause problems. Any thoughts?

Comments

Re: Running provoking seizures

Submitted by mcm on Thu, 2010-08-05 - 08:17
I was diagnosed with complex partial seizures 3 years ago also. I currently run an average of 10-12 miles per week, am not overweight and have been running for more than 20 years. I have had only one seizure while running and that was when i was in denial and did not take my meds regularly. I actually think running helps me avoid seizures because I think they are related to circulatory issues, I've had high blood pressure, varicose veins, horrible blood chemistry,, etc. I now work hard to reverse or control these issues through diet and exercise. Running lowers my blood pressure signinfcantly, and I never feel better than after a 4 or 5 mile run. I guess like the meds it is different for everyone. Perhaps the 26 miles is too much.  I seem to have my seizures only when I'm overly tired or do not take my meds the same time everyday. Good luck and I hope you get them under control. Good luck!

Re: Running provoking seizures

Submitted by tonialpha on Thu, 2010-08-05 - 11:31

In my 20's,  I worked in a law enforcement agency I ran on a beach, I found that this caused partial seizures  approx. after 3 miles if I had not had enough fluid or no food .  It happened once in a blue moon.  My watch commander told me to be sure to have enough sodium in my system.  I was in good shape at this time.  I averaged 5 miles on the beach and approx. 7 miles on hills.  I did have a generalized sz when I did a dbl shift and was not hydrated and did not have enough food.   I was playing super person!  Now I am a parent trying to do the same thing but it is a different ball of wax.  I fast walk 5 miles daily!  I respect all runners!

The blood tests indicated that my sodium levels were low when I had seizures when I was running each patient is different.  

In my 20's,  I worked in a law enforcement agency I ran on a beach, I found that this caused partial seizures  approx. after 3 miles if I had not had enough fluid or no food .  It happened once in a blue moon.  My watch commander told me to be sure to have enough sodium in my system.  I was in good shape at this time.  I averaged 5 miles on the beach and approx. 7 miles on hills.  I did have a generalized sz when I did a dbl shift and was not hydrated and did not have enough food.   I was playing super person!  Now I am a parent trying to do the same thing but it is a different ball of wax.  I fast walk 5 miles daily!  I respect all runners!

The blood tests indicated that my sodium levels were low when I had seizures when I was running each patient is different.  

Re: Running provoking seizures

Submitted by marhank49 on Thu, 2010-08-05 - 19:09
I've heard and/or read about all being factors and can be triggers (hyperventilation, body temp, and the list goes on and on)  It's interesting you mention salt though, I've been warned for about 3 yrs now that my salt levels are low - don't drink as much water.  I never have but the longer this goes on the more I want.  If I run a fever, I have to be really careful because I've been able to associate that with sz activity.  The salt can be affected by certain of the sz meds; as can vitamin D.  This is a complex situation we're in!!

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