This week, 20 to 26 June, is
National Epilepsy Week, so I thought it appropriate to give you some insight
into this often misunderstood condition. I will also discuss considerations
that must be taken into account when people with this condition participate in
any physical activity.
Epilepsy is defined by The American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) as: “a chronic, neurological
condition characterized by temporary changes in the electrical function of the
brain”. These changes in electrical function negatively affect the transmission
of information between nerve cells, resulting in seizures. Awareness, movement
and/or sensation can be affected during a seizure.
Most often, the cause of epilepsy is unknown; however,
common causes include head injuries, tumours, infections, strokes, and lead
poisoning (ACSM).
Besides seizures, the following symptoms may occur (ACSM):
- Headache
- Changes in mood or energy
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Babbling
Often, one experiences an aura, or warning, before a seizure
occurs, which may include (ACSM):
- Dizziness
- Tingling
- Peculiar smell or taste
- A feeling of euphoria
- Auditory hallucination
- And/or painful sensations
Various forms of epilepsy exist; therefore, it is extremely
important that this condition is accurately
diagnosed by a neurologist, so that the appropriate treatment can be applied.
Blood tests, a CT scan, EEG, MRI, and lumbar puncture can be used to diagnose
epilepsy; however, a full physical examination must also be done to rule out
any other conditions that may cause seizures.
Three main types of seizures exist: a grand mal lasts about
50-90 seconds and involves a loss of consciousness, collapsing, rigidity, and an
increased heart rate. A person is usually very tired and sleepy after such a
seizure. A petit mal generally last 3-10 seconds and presents as a blank stare
or loss of focus. A person usually recovers quickly, but may have multiple
episodes. A psychomotor or temporal lobe seizure usually lasts 1-5 minutes and
includes a blank stare, lack of awareness, daze, mumbling, struggling, and
being afraid. This state of confusion can last a while after the episode and
individuals may not remember what they were doing.
According to ACSM, exercise has not been shown to cause
seizures; however, it is important to be aware of certain precautions that must
be taken when dealing with an epileptic. If seizures are controlled, epileptics
can generally partake in any physical activity, including contact sports,
although individual sports are generally preferred. High risk activities, such
as mountain climbing and underwater activities, must be very carefully
supervised and the supervisors must be made aware when an
epileptic is participating and how to deal with that person if s/he has a
seizure. Triggering factors, such as strobe lights, excessive fatigue,
hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and alcohol intake, must also be considered.
ACSM states that regular physical activity can, in fact,
reduce seizures, as there is improved mental alertness and suppressed
electrical activity in the brain. Therefore, it is important that epileptics
maintain an active lifestyle. Such individuals are often overprotected by their
loved ones, resulting in them being less active and very unfit. This contributes
to a sedentary lifestyle and the unfavourable complications that go with it.
