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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 tcameron on Sun, 2011-03-13 - 16:26

Michaelk,

I used to run LOT.  I enjoy feeling the 'runner's high'.  I still exercise, with a partner.  You  need to be more careful because once you have the seizure, that's the end of the day's exercise.   It's not the exercise in itself that causes the seizure, it's the stress associated with it.  Stress induces seizures. 

Running, exercycle, elliptical and weight lifting, have all caused seizures for me.  Meet with a neurologist.  If you already have, meet with an epileptologist.  Your doctors are correct that the feeling of being in great shape helps people with epilepsy, which can reduce depression.  Your doctors are wrong about aerobic exercise reducing stress.  It induces stress.  Most MD's haven't a clue about epilepsy.  You'd be surprised how little they really know!  

It's safest to work out with a partner.   Most people panic and call 911 when they witness a seizure.  Your friend can turn paramedics away; you can't because you're postical.  I've been on many ambulance rides that were'nt medical emergencies.  If you're not injured, it usually isn't a medical emergency.  You need your buddy to help you through the postical state after your seizure.

Keep running; with a partner! 

Michaelk,

I used to run LOT.  I enjoy feeling the 'runner's high'.  I still exercise, with a partner.  You  need to be more careful because once you have the seizure, that's the end of the day's exercise.   It's not the exercise in itself that causes the seizure, it's the stress associated with it.  Stress induces seizures. 

Running, exercycle, elliptical and weight lifting, have all caused seizures for me.  Meet with a neurologist.  If you already have, meet with an epileptologist.  Your doctors are correct that the feeling of being in great shape helps people with epilepsy, which can reduce depression.  Your doctors are wrong about aerobic exercise reducing stress.  It induces stress.  Most MD's haven't a clue about epilepsy.  You'd be surprised how little they really know!  

It's safest to work out with a partner.   Most people panic and call 911 when they witness a seizure.  Your friend can turn paramedics away; you can't because you're postical.  I've been on many ambulance rides that were'nt medical emergencies.  If you're not injured, it usually isn't a medical emergency.  You need your buddy to help you through the postical state after your seizure.

Keep running; with a partner! 

Re: Can exercise induce seizures?

Submitted by diogenes on Mon, 2011-03-14 - 17:10
I had a very sedentary lifestyle for years, but for the last 5 years I've been exercising a lot. Once I tried to quit the meds and everything was fine for months. One day I had a partial seizure at the gym due to sleep deprivation from the previous night. I decided to take the meds again for a few more years. That was the only time I had a seizure while exercising. In the last years I've been doing Krav Maga, yoga, running, bodybuilding, weightlifting and others. I even done swimming for almost 2 years, against medical recommendations. I used to take my bike to go to gym and work sometimes, but I decided to give up on it due to the risks. Currently I'm still on Krav Maga and the Crossfit System, a strength and conditioning program which can be VERY stressful sometimes, and I never had any seizures. So, I'm not sure there is any direct relation valid for everyone. Mine doesn't seems to be triggered by exercise at all.

Re: Can exercise induce seizures?

Submitted by tcameron on Wed, 2011-05-18 - 15:21

It depends on whether or not stress is a trigger for you.  Some types of exercise induce seizures; others won't.  It is extremely individualized.  I used to do a lot of aerobic and weight lifting exercise and experience a lot of seizures!  Now I only workout with a partner.  Most isometric exercise doesn't induce as much stress as weight lifting or aerobic, so it is possible to keep yourself in shape.  There have been a couple times when my seizure was at the beginning of my workout; all I was doing was crunches.  That was the end of that workout period.  It might be whether or not the brain is prone to having a seizure that day anyway.

It is still possible to stay in shape exercising at home.  Not as much fun as at the gym, but still possible.  It's the stress that induces the seizures; not just the exercise.  When you do go to the gym, always go with a workout partner to watch over you.  Epilepsy is individualized; what works for one person might not for the other.  Make sure you aren't already tired, you've already had a meal with plenty of protein and enjoy yourself!!!

It depends on whether or not stress is a trigger for you.  Some types of exercise induce seizures; others won't.  It is extremely individualized.  I used to do a lot of aerobic and weight lifting exercise and experience a lot of seizures!  Now I only workout with a partner.  Most isometric exercise doesn't induce as much stress as weight lifting or aerobic, so it is possible to keep yourself in shape.  There have been a couple times when my seizure was at the beginning of my workout; all I was doing was crunches.  That was the end of that workout period.  It might be whether or not the brain is prone to having a seizure that day anyway.

It is still possible to stay in shape exercising at home.  Not as much fun as at the gym, but still possible.  It's the stress that induces the seizures; not just the exercise.  When you do go to the gym, always go with a workout partner to watch over you.  Epilepsy is individualized; what works for one person might not for the other.  Make sure you aren't already tired, you've already had a meal with plenty of protein and enjoy yourself!!!

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