Epilepsy Exercises Do’s and Don’ts

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and can cause a person to have seizures. Seizures are episodes of abnormal brain activity that can cause various symptoms, including tremors, uncontrollable movements, and even loss of consciousness. 

Although there is no cure for epilepsy, there are many things people with epilepsy can do to control their seizures. It includes following a healthy diet, taking medications as prescribed by your doctor, and exercising regularly. However, people with epilepsy can not do all exercises.

This blog article will discuss which exercises you should do and which activities you need to avoid with epilepsy. We hope this information helps you stay healthy and seizure free!

What Exercises Should People with Epilepsy Do

When a person is diagnosed with epilepsy, they want to know what they can do to control their seizures. The neurologist often recommends that the person with epilepsy get regular exercise.

There are many benefits of exercise for people with epilepsy. Exercise helps to improve seizure control, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve overall mental health. 

People with epilepsy should consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. Some types of exercise can trigger and develop seizures, so it is essential to be aware of the risks. Here are some exercises that are good for people with epilepsy:

Yoga

Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for people with epilepsy. It helps improve seizure control and mental health. Yoga also has the added benefit of not affecting the joints too much. 

• First, it helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger seizures. 
• Second, yoga can help improve sleep quality, and getting enough sleep is crucial for seizure control. 
• Third, yoga as exercise can improve physical strength and flexibility, which can help people better manage seizures. 
• Fourth, yoga can help people develop a sense of self-awareness, which can help detect early signs of a seizure. 
• Finally, yoga can provide community and support for people with epilepsy.

If you want to try yoga for epilepsy, consult your doctor and find a teacher who has experience working with people with seizures.

Swimming

People with epilepsy often take extra precautions to avoid triggering seizures. However, swimming can be an excellent exercise for people with epilepsy and seizures. 

The water provides resistance, which helps to strengthen muscles and improve coordination. In addition, the buoyancy of the water helps support the body and reduces the risk of injury if a seizure does occur. 

Swimming is also a great way to relax and relieve stress, which can help reduce the frequency of seizures. Of course, it is essential to continuously swim with a partner knowledgeable about epilepsy in an emergency. 

With the proper precautions, swimming can be a safe and enjoyable exercise for people with epilepsy.

Go for a Walk Every Day

For people with epilepsy, daily walks can help improve their condition. Walking allows people with epilepsy to get exercise, which can help improve their overall health. 

In addition, this type of exercise can help reduce the stress and anxiety that often trigger seizures. Walking also gives people with epilepsy a chance to socialize and meet others with the condition. 

Daily walks can help people with epilepsy live healthier and happier lives.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art often described as “meditation in motion.” Tai chi consists of slow, graceful movements choreographed into a specific sequence. 

Exercising tai chi has provided several health benefits, including improved balance and coordination, reduced stress levels, and improved cardiovascular health. In recent years, tai chi has also been studied as a treatment for epilepsy. 

Tai chi can also help improve the quality of life and mood in people with epilepsy. As more research is done, tai chi may become an increasingly popular treatment option for people with this condition.

Aerobics

For some people with epilepsy, regular aerobic exercise may help improve mood and reduce the frequency of seizures. Aerobic exercise helps increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which may help stabilize electrical activity and prevent seizures. 

In addition, aerobic exercise helps improve overall health and well-being. People with epilepsy who regularly engage in aerobic exercise often experience less anxiety and depression and enhanced sleep quality. Thus, aerobic exercise can be an essential part of epilepsy treatment. 

Start with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and gradually increase the intensity as tolerated. However, it is essential not to overdo it. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that is ideal for people with epilepsy. Controlled movements and deep breathing promote relaxation, which can help reduce seizure activity. 

In addition, the spinal strengthening exercises associated with Pilates help improve balance and coordination, which reduces the likelihood of falls. For best results, it is recommended that people with epilepsy consult with a doctor or physical therapist before beginning any new exercise program. 

Cycling

Regular cycling can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy and improve their quality of life. People who ride a bicycle for at least 30 minutes three times a week can reduce seizure frequency by 50%. 

In addition, cycling can help improve mental health, increase energy levels and promote weight loss. Thus, it is an ideal activity for people with epilepsy looking for an alternative to medication.

Read about the best foods for epilepsy patients in our other article.

What Kind of Activities to Avoid with Epilepsy?

While exercise is vital for people with epilepsy, some activities should be avoided. These activities can trigger seizures or put people at risk of injury if a seizure does occur.

• Diving

Diving into the water can trigger a seizure or cause an injury if a seizure occurs while diving.

• Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing can be dangerous for people with epilepsy because it increases the risk of falls and head injuries.

• Avoid Activity with Flashing Lights

Activities that involve flashing lights, such as strobe lights or video games, can trigger seizures in some people with epilepsy. If you are susceptible to seizures triggered by flashing lights, it is best to avoid these activities.

• Contact Sports

Contact sports, such as football or boxing, can be dangerous for people with epilepsy because of the risk of head injuries.

• Parachuting

Parachuting is a high-risk activity that can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. If you have epilepsy, it is best to avoid this exercise altogether.

• Rodeo Riding

Rodeo Riding is a dangerous activity for people with epilepsy. The fast-paced nature of the sport can trigger seizures, and the risk of injury is high if a seizure does occur. 

Bottom Line 

Exercise is an integral part of epilepsy treatment. It can help reduce seizure frequency, improve mood and quality of life, and improve overall health.

However, some activities should be avoided because of the risk of provoking a seizure or causing injury. Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. 

Lone Star Neurology Clinic can help you. Our experienced professionals can help you create a treatment plan and support you throughout your treatment.

FAQ

• Can exercises prevent seizures?

There is no definitive answer. But some evidence suggests that regular exercise may help reduce the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy.

• Can physical activity trigger seizures?

In some people with epilepsy, physical activity can trigger seizures. However, regular exercise has been shown to reduce seizure frequency in people with epilepsy.

• What things can trigger epilepsy?

Many things can trigger epilepsy, including flashing lights, loud noises, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol or drug withdrawal, and certain medications.

• Can weight loss help seizures?

Weight loss can help reduce seizure activity in people with epilepsy. In one study, people with epilepsy who lost 5% of their body weight had a 50% reduction in seizure frequency.