Active recreational activities can improve both mental and physical health and should be encouraged for people with epilepsy. Very rarely, exercise is a trigger for seizure activity, but for the vast majority of epilepsy patients, the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks. Of course, common sense dictates that certain activities need special accommodations or must be avoided. The greater the frequency and severity of an individual's seizures, the greater the need for that person to limit or modify athletic activities.

Most sports can be safely pursued by individuals whose seizures are not fully controlled. With just a few extra safety precautions, they can enjoy most activities, even ones that many would consider dangerous. For instance, a woman with complex partial seizures enjoyed downhill skiing and was able to continue in the sport by always skiing with her husband and using only beginner or intermediate trails. A man with rare tonic-clonic seizures roller blades every weekend and stays safe by consistently wearing a helmet and knee and elbow pads.

Water Sports

Water sports, including swimming, snorkeling, jet-ski riding, windsurfing, and sailing, are risky for people with epilepsy, but with a few accommodations they also can be safely pursued.

Contact Sports

Contact sports such as football, rugby, basketball, soccer, and ice hockey are generally safe for people with seizures. However, family members may worry about the chance of head or bodily injury, which is common in these sports. People with epilepsy have no greater chance for injury during these sports than people without epilepsy. The chances of serious injury are small compared with the positive effects of team participation.

Most individuals with epilepsy can safely exercise in a gym and use exercise equipment. For those who have uncontrolled seizures, a buddy system may be needed when using equipment like treadmills or bicycles. For example, Susan, who has occasional complex partial seizures, only exercises on the treadmill when her friend is present. The friend supervises the exercise to prevent injury if Susan has a seizure.

Activities like scuba diving, rock climbing, skydiving, hang gliding, and mountain climbing should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures. These sports require full concentration, and any episode of loss of consciousness may lead to injury and possible death.

Recreational activities are very important for socializing and happiness. Achieving the balance between a safe life and an active life is possible by just making a few adjustments in sports activities.

Recreation Safety Links

• Children With Vagus Nerve Stimulators (VNS): Issues at Summer Camp

Adapted from Brainstorms Companion: Epilepsy in Our View, Living Safely with Epilepsy (113-129).

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 12/15/06