EPILEPSY & Exercise
Myth #1: All seizures involve large convulsions. The Truth: There are several types of seizures they include staring spells, sudden and very short duration jerking, as well as large convulsions.
Myth #2: Epilepsy is contagious. The Truth: Epilepsy is NOT contagious - however one is more likely to have it if their parents have some form of epilepsy.
Myth #3: You can swallow/choke on your tongue during a seizures. The Truth: This cannot happen the worse that can happen is severe biting of the tongue.
Myth #4: If you have a seizure you have epileps The Truth: To be diagnosed with epilepsy, you need two or more unprovoked seizures without being in 24 hours of each other.
Myth #5: People with epilepsy cannot exercise. The Truth: Epilepsy is usually not a barrier to exercise in most cases.
What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a neurological disorder defined by the recurrence of two or more unprovoked seizures
What is a seizure? Seizures result from a discharge of electrical activity within the brain
Types of seizures: There are two categories of seizures: 1 Generalized: involves an electrical discharge in both sides of the brain at once 2 Partial: involves an electrical discharge in one area of the brain
1- Generalized i. Convulsive Tonic-Clonic Seizure (AKA Grand Mal) Tonic Phase: muscle stiffness Clonic Phase: muscle twitches
1 Generalized: ii. Non Convulsive-Absences (AKA Petite Mal) a blank stare which interrupts activity may not remember or realize it occurred
2 Partial: i. Simple: still aware of the seizure ii. Complex: altered state of awareness * Anterograde Amnesia: cannot create new memories after a seizure * Retrograde Amnesia: cannot remember events prior to the seizure
What Causes Epilepsy: Genetics Autism (rare cases) Infections of the brain (tape worm and round worm) Severe head injuries Strokes and tumors (more frequent in middle aged or older adults) Alzheimer's disease Other diseases that affect brain function
Triggers For Epilepsy: Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse Stress* Sleep Deprivation* Fever or other illness Bright or flashing lights Low blood sugar*
Treatments for Epilepsy: Surgerical Treatment: removing tumors, implanting a device to treat, or removing the area of the brain that is producing seizures Medication: Anti-Epileptic Drugs (Oxcarbazepine, Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, etc) Ketogenic Diet: high lipids, low carbohydrates (mainly for difficult-to-control cases in children) to produce more ketones
Treatments for Epilepsy (Cont d): Vagus Nerve Stimulation: pulse generator send mild electrical stimulation to Vagus Nerve to reduce number/length/severity of seizures
Range of Diagnosis: Must have more than 2 seizures to be termed Epilepsy 10% of the population will have at least one seizure, but 2% will go on to have recurrent unprovoked seizures, or epilepsy Likely that many newly diagnosed patients will be participating in athletics at the time of diagnosis Different types: one isn t better then the other
Management: Protect their head Remove objects close by Do not restrain them Do not place objects in their mouth Position on side in recovery position following seizure Assess for injury: contusions/ dislocations http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azygwllakaq&spfreload=10
Epilepsy & Exercise: Only 2 of 400 listed exercise as a precipitant 2% have seizures in more than 50% of training sessions (intense activity)
Triggers to Seizures During Exercise: (Frucht et al, 2000) Fatigue Exertion Stress Illness
Benefits of Exercise: Studies have shown that exercise actually decreases seizure frequency Patients who exercised regularly had significantly decreased seizures than those who did not (Denio et al, 1989) Physical activity enhances alertness and focus, which increases the seizure threshold (howard et al, 2004)
Benefits of Exercise (Cont d) EEG (electroencephalography): electrical activity of brain (MedlinePlus, 2014) Normalize the EEG = increase in seizure threshold and decrease the likelihood of seizures (Gotze et al, 1967) Decreased discharges in EEG during exercise (Nakken et al, 1997)
Sports Participation: Should avoid scuba, rock climbing, motor racing and downhill skiing Frequency of seizures are important when considering activities such as swimming with someone at all times No adverse effects * proper with diet, regards rest and to contact sports adherence to medication for seizure control
Example of an Exercise Regimen : Pre-workout: Before starting any new exercise program, consult with your doctor or specialist. Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people with medical conditions that may put them at a higher risk of a experiencing a health problem during physical activity.
Not Severe Example: Warm-Up F: Before every workout I: Light to moderate T: 2-15 minutes T: Dynamic stretching, elliptical, treadmill on incline, etc.
Not Severe Example: F: 2 times per week (need 2 rest days per week) I: Moderate- slow reps, slow sets, do NOT work till failure or maximal exertion T: 45-90 minutes T: Resistance Training Full Body Workout * 3 sets of 8-12 reps each Squats (Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads) Lunges (Glutes, hams, quads) Push-ups (Pecs, triceps, deltoids) Shoulder press Seated Row Chest press Supermans Crunches/Bicycle Bicep curls Tricep extensions Calf extensions
Not Severe Example: Cool Down F: After every workout I: Low intensity T: 2-15 minutes T: Static stretching of the following muscle groups: Glutes Rectus Abdominus Quadriceps Gastrocnemius Hamstrings Deltoids Biceps Rhomboids Triceps Pectoralis Major Erector Spinae
Severe Example: * MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES Warm up: F: Before every workout I: Low to moderate T: 2-15 minutes T: Dynamic March on spot (3 min) Heel digs (60 in 60 sec) Knee lifts (30 in 30 sec) Shoulder rolls (2 sets 10 reps) Squats (10 reps)
Severe Example: * MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES F: 2-3 times per week I: Moderate T: 30-60 minutes T: Treadmill (on incline), eliptical, cycling
Severe Example: * MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES Cool Down: F: After every workout I: Low intensity T: 2-15 minutes T: Static Stretching of muscle groups worked
Question #1 How many seizures do you have to have to be diagnosed with epilepsy? Answer: Two (unprovoked)
Question #2 What are 2 causes of epilepsy? Answer: Genetics Autism (rare cases) Infections of the brain (tape worm and round worm) Severe head injuries Strokes and tumors (more frequent in middle aged or older adults) Alzheimer's disease Other diseases that affect brain function
Question #3 What are 2 triggers of epilepsy? Answer: Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse Stress* Sleep Deprivation* Fever or other illness Bright or flashing lights Low blood sugar*
Question #4 What are the 2 categories of seizures? Answer: Generalized and Partial
Question #5 What activities should people with epilepsy stay away from? Answer: scuba, rock climbing, motor racing and downhill skiing
QUESTIONS????