This time, I did not want to talk about my experience with epilepsy, but I wanted to go a step further and therefore, I have made an article on how sport can influence people with epilepsy.
In my opinion, any person with epilepsy can do all sports, except for some particular cases. What can happen is that, if we see that we can have a chance of having a seizure, then we should be much more cautious at that time doing whatever sport it is. So, in general, I think that sport always helps, whether we have epilepsy or not. The relationship with people, good habits and above all doing something we like.
It has always been said that a person who has a disease cannot do sport and we can see that this is not the case, he can do sport, but he must be more cautious.
There are studies such as that of the American Academy of Neurology, which have shown that participating in organized sports provides physical and psychological benefits1.
It is also said that a person with epilepsy is suggested to do physical exercise and practice sports in an active way because it will be the way that can help him to control seizures.
Among the positive aspects that sport provides for these people are: physical conditioning, protection against the occurrence of seizures, emotional relief (improved mood and self-esteem), better adherence to drug treatment, improved sleep patterns, and improved quality of life for both patients and families.
How sport can influence people with epilepsy
However, one of the greatest concerns of people affected by this neurological condition is the fear of suffering repeated seizures. And in this aspect, sport can also be a great ally to improve their duration and frequency. Above all, it should always be a non-risk sport and in consultation with the neurologist.
In this sense, there is also scientific evidence that has shown that regular physical activity reduces interictal epileptiform discharges, improving the control of epilepsy and the encephalogram pattern2.
1 Kevin E. Crutchfield, MD. Managing Patients with Neurologic Disorders Who Participate in Sports Activities. 2014, American Academy of Neurology. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2014;20(6):1657–1666. See article
2 Capovilla G et al. Epilepsy, seizures, physical exercise and sport.: A report from the ILAE Task Force on Sport and Epilepsy. Epilepsia 2016:57(1):6-12. See article
