Challenges of Epilepsy and Sports

Epilepsy remains a hidden disease for many, but increasingly it's coming out of the shadows. The Olympics and tremendous accomplishments of athletes worldwide are bringing to light how epilepsy does not have to stand in your way. Yet for many, we are also hearing the devastating side of epilepsy. Bode Miller, bronze medalist in alpine skiing at the Sochi Olympics, recently spoke of the loss of his brother, Chelone, last year. His brother had post-traumatic epilepsy but despite this was a professional snowboarder who excelled in his chosen career.

Chanda Gunn, a former U. S Olympian in women's ice hockey, continues to show us that epilepsy does not need to prevent people from pursuing their passion. Despite having epilepsy since childhood, she excelled at her chosen sport, and persevered to the Olympics, while still struggling with seizures during this time. She has channeled her love of sports into raising awareness and support for epilepsy and is a spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation's Athletes vs. Epilepsy™ ™ program.

But many people are confused about whether exercise is good for them if they have seizures. They may be advised to avoid contact sports or sports with potential for head injury if they have seizures. Yet, research is also showing that exercise may have a role in seizure control for some people. I posed a few of these questions to Chanda Gunn for her insight.

Is exercise good for people with epilepsy?

Chanda: From my personal perspective, exercise is good for so many people! Being active has so many benefits – it improves physical and emotional health. It helps prevent many chronic diseases. It's good for our brains too in so many ways, improving cognition or thinking, and mood.

What is really awesome is that, when you have epilepsy, often efforts to control seizures may also bring a slew of side effects. Many of these problems can be helped by exercise. For example, exercise helps combat weight gain. Stress can affect seizures and be caused by them. Yet exercise is a great stress reducer. Stress and medication side effects can lead to insomnia and the lack of energy – exercise helps in both these areas. I am really passionate about creating the best environment possible to let those medications do their trick. And not only that, it can be fun!

What type of exercise do you find helpful?

Chanda: There are some days where I just need an hour to myself and I head toward the gym, I use a treadmill on an incline and walk while watching television for an hour. I have found a community at a local CrossFit affiliate. I love yoga classes (Fridays at 10:30!) and spinning classes are great because you can truly go at your own pace.

Exercise doesn't have to be at a gym or in a class. Exercise can be found in any thing in which you stay active, even play! Playing a sport (for recreational or competitive reasons) is therapeutic in so many ways. At my YMCA we have weekly dodgeball games. Spring is great for softball and being outdoors. I live nearby plenty of open space and love to hike and bike ride.

So if you're thinking of exercise, my recommendation is YES! Go for it!

Are their dangers I should be aware of?

Chanda: There is always a risk of having a seizure and, depending on your level of control, you should consider the safest method of exercise. Having epilepsy rarely means you "can't" exercise or play sports. It does mean you shouldn't swim by yourself, or go for long runs, hikes or any other activity in which you might be alone and at risk.

You should always wear a helmet when you ride a bike or ski – whether or not you have epilepsy. For sports like hockey or other contact sports, wear the appropriate and recommended protective gear for that sport.

Carry personal identification with you when you play or exercise too. Ideally also carry information about your seizures and what to do if one should occur. If you exercise with a friend, make sure they know seizure first aid.

I hope this focus on exercise gets people moving and having fun! Let's also celebrate the Athletes vs. Epilepsy™ ™ – for their accomplishments, passions, and work in helping raise awareness and support for people living with epilepsy.

To show your support for Athletes vs. Epilepsy™ and help raise awareness, take a look!

Thank you for sharing with us Chanda!

Best wishes,