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How can exercise help if you have epilepsy?

Staying active and keeping your body in good shape helps contribute to your overall health and wellbeing. Of course, this is also the case for people with epilepsy. Research has shown that if most people with epilepsy took some exercise, they might actually have fewer seizures.

"If most people with epilepsy took some exercise, they might actually have fewer seizures”

Simply make sure you listen to your body. Over-exertion can trigger seizures in some people, so only exercise as energetically as you think you can manage. Tiredness can also be a trigger, so stop when you start to feel too tired. Be careful if you're exercising regularly after a period of inactivity, since rapid changes in your metabolism can also affect your seizure control.

By all means enjoy sport, but make sure you take any related risks into account beforehand. For example, contact sports might be a bad idea if your epilepsy was caused by a head injury. Leisure activities may involve similar risks - you might avoid cycling on busy roads if you have frequent tonic-clonic seizures. Enjoy being active, just make sure you stay safe.

One of the most beneficial forms of exercise for people with epilepsy is yoga, according to research. While deep meditation should be avoided, other forms of yoga are great. Not only do you get your body working, the relaxation itself helps some people avoid seizures.

www.epilepsy.org.uk

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Copyright © 2007 Epilepsy Action

This information has been provided by Epilepsy Action, the nation’s epilepsy charity that aims to improve the quality of life and promote the interests of people living with epilepsy.

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