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Leisure and sport
Swimming
Water sports
Cycling
Horse riding
Contact sports
High risk and extreme sports
Climbing
While some restrictions may be necessary for adults and children with epilepsy, everyone with epilepsy should be encouraged to lead a full and active life. In many instances, this is achieved through the adoption of safety measures, particularly in relation to activities where having a seizure would pose a risk to one’s own safety or the safety of others.
When you are out and about you should carry a special identity bracelet, neck pendant or card with details of your epilepsy, your medication, first aid and a contact number for a relative.
If you are fortunate enough to experience a warning sign or aura (unfortunately not everyone does), this may allow you to tell someone you are about to have a seizure and move to a safe place.
A child can carry a card on behalf of a parent, which can be given to a helper in the event of a seizure. You are advised to keep money and valuables carried to a minimum and to conceal them well – this will help guard against theft or loss.
Leisure and sport
If you have epilepsy, instructors, trainers or coaches should be informed. You should ensure that they are made aware of how to recognise and manage seizures.
If you experience frequent seizures, supervision is advised when undertaking sporting activities. Some people may experience seizures as a result of strenuous physical exertion. Make sure to pace yourself and take breaks as needed.
The following activities require particular attention and in cases of uncontrolled seizures, should probably be avoided until improved control is achieved.
Swimming
A person with epilepsy should only swim when accompanied by a competent swimmer, who is capable of dealing with a seizure in the water. (Remember if you have a seizure, the person with you will have to pull you out of the water.)
Preferably you should swim in a pool, as strong currents in the sea can be dangerous for anyone, even rescuers. A pool is more likely to have a lifeguard/attendant, who can intervene if necessary.
It is important to inform lifeguards/attendants if you have epilepsy, in order to ensure that they are familiar with appropriate first aid. Wearing a brightly coloured swimming hat will aid prompt location of any swimmer who may be experiencing difficulty.
Avoid very cold water.
Water sports
Sailing and canoeing may be possible, but only if someone is on hand who knows what to do in the event of you having a seizure. Springboard diving and water-skiing are not recommended. Scuba diving should be avoided.
Cycling
A cycling helmet should always be worn and cycling in heavy traffic should be avoided if seizures are frequent.
Horse riding
Hard riding hats should always be worn. There is little risk for people with controlled seizures, but those who experience frequent seizures may require special facilities and close supervision.
Contact sports
Boxing is inadvisable. Field sports, which may involve a risk of injury to the head, need to be individually assessed by your doctor.
High risk and extreme sports
As mentioned, scuba diving should be avoided. So too should sky diving, rafting, hand-gliding, bungee jumping and pot holing.
Any activity where intervention and rescue during seizures may pose difficulty or risk to you or others should be avoided.
Climbing
Climbing may be possible with supervision, however, individual assessment is needed. Obviously safety is of paramount importance and the appropriate headgear must be worn at all times.
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