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Can exercise induce seizures?

Sun, 11/16/2008 - 07:00
Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Adults
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 tcameron on Sun, 2011-06-19 - 21:25

erzsi,  Your doctor is wrong.   Seizures can cause AED blood levels to go down because the body uses more of it while you are seizing.  I know this issue is up for arguement, but you know if you took your medication, not her.   Are you seeing an internest, neurologist, or epileptologist?  (Epileptologists are neurologists who specialize in epilepsy.)

I've had epilepsy for 35 years.  I've been told the same thing by different doctors; especially those in ER's.  Ask your doctor if you can take a stronger dose.  Perhaps you can take a small carbamazapine dose just before working out or doing other strenuous activities, both physical and emotional.  Perhaps you can get a prescription for Ativan (lorazepam) to take on those occasions.  

erzsi,  Your doctor is wrong.   Seizures can cause AED blood levels to go down because the body uses more of it while you are seizing.  I know this issue is up for arguement, but you know if you took your medication, not her.   Are you seeing an internest, neurologist, or epileptologist?  (Epileptologists are neurologists who specialize in epilepsy.)

I've had epilepsy for 35 years.  I've been told the same thing by different doctors; especially those in ER's.  Ask your doctor if you can take a stronger dose.  Perhaps you can take a small carbamazapine dose just before working out or doing other strenuous activities, both physical and emotional.  Perhaps you can get a prescription for Ativan (lorazepam) to take on those occasions.  

Re: Can exercise induce seizures?

Submitted by SANDPOET on Wed, 2011-09-07 - 16:32
I exersize(weightlifting) and have for 35 years(57yoa) I have had no problems after 3 years of this type of activity, except the worry associated with "I could have a seizure". I had a seizure right after my right frontal lobe surgery in 2008, after running. A bystander panicked and called an ambulance, which cost me a lot of money and was unnecessary. I don't have a partner for weight training and have considered although I don't know anyone at my level of fitness to work out with. I thought of informing the gym owner of my disorder, but am afraid to be kicked out of the gym. Any experience with this dilemna and the outcome? Very few understand this disorder and tend to overreact. I am on Lamotrigine and had two breakthroughs when the pharmacy switched to another manufacturers product. I have since informed them and they assured me this would not happen again. I have not informed my neurologist of the two breakthroughs, as I fear losing my drivers license. I have at least 1 minute warning of an impending seizure, so I believe I am not putting myself or others at risk. I believe the switching of meds was the trigger and have been seizure free for over 6 weeks now. I went through a contentious and lengthy divorce(3 1/2 years) and have anger issues that are being addressed with therapy. I also have PTSD, which as caused by two near death medical emergencies in 2008, the death of my father, brother and sister, a divorce during my medical emergency, loss of my job and the threat of losing my children(now i have joint physical custody). I am remarried, but harbor anger over the abandonment of my ex-wife and I have to co-parent with this horrible person. My kids and my new wife are my rocks! So, exercise has worked for me. I don't want to have depression too, so i I'll stay the course. Thanks for listening. Cheers

Re: Can exercise induce seizures?

Submitted by BarbaraAnn on Wed, 2011-05-18 - 08:23

I had encephalitis at 38 and lost one lobe of my brain.  I started having epilepsy again and was put on medicine about 6 months ago.  I do not excercise like I use to..fears that I will not be able to drive again.Do you drive? How do you get better sleep.  I have always had short sleeping patterns. (I am 67).

Thanks

I had encephalitis at 38 and lost one lobe of my brain.  I started having epilepsy again and was put on medicine about 6 months ago.  I do not excercise like I use to..fears that I will not be able to drive again.Do you drive? How do you get better sleep.  I have always had short sleeping patterns. (I am 67).

Thanks

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