Epilepsy Helpline: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

Transcription

1 Epilepsy Helpline: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

2 Epilepsy Action aims to improve the quality of life and promote the interests of people living with epilepsy. Our work... We provide information to anyone with an interest in epilepsy. We improve the understanding of epilepsy in schools and raise educational standards. We work to give people with epilepsy a fair chance of finding and keeping a job. We raise standards of care through contact with doctors, nurses, social workers, government and other organisations. We promote equality of access to quality care. Epilepsy Action has local branches in most parts of the UK. Each branch offers support to local people and raises money to help ensure our work can continue. Join us... You can help us in our vital work by becoming a member. All members receive our magazine Epilepsy Today, free cover under our unique personal accident insurance scheme and access to our services and conferences. Our vision is to live in a society where everyone understands epilepsy and where attitudes towards the condition are based on fact not fiction Epilepsy Action, vision statement 2 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

3 Contents Introduction 4 Sport and leisure activities and epilepsy 5 Telling people about your epilepsy 5 Talking to your doctor 5 Some activities 6 Boxing 6 Climbing 6 Cycling 7 Extreme sports 7 Fishing 7 Gym 7 Hiking and rambling 7 Horse riding 8 Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room 9 Martial arts 9 Running and jogging 9 Scuba diving 9 Skiing 9 Squash 10 Swimming 10 Team sports 12 Water sports in general 13 Yoga 14 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 3

4 Introduction Having the opportunity to take part in sport and leisure activities is important for everyone, including people with epilepsy. This booklet looks at a number of different sporting and leisure activities in relation to epilepsy. 4 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

5 Sport and leisure activities and epilepsy With the right support and the relevant safety precautions, there is little that someone with epilepsy should need to avoid. Many people with epilepsy have their seizures completely controlled by anti-epileptic medication and don t need to take any greater safety precautions than anyone else. Some people say, when they are active, they are less likely to have seizures. So, for some people with epilepsy, taking part in sport and leisure activities can really benefit their epilepsy. A very small number of people with epilepsy find that doing strenuous exercise increases their likelihood of having seizures. Telling people about your epilepsy To take part in some sports or activities you may need to complete a medical form.this information should only be used to help the organiser do a risk assessment and, if needed, make any reasonable adjustments. However, if your epilepsy is unlikely to affect the safety of yourself and others, you may feel you don t need to tell anyone about your epilepsy. Contact Epilepsy Action for further information on this issue. Talking to your doctor It s a good idea to speak to your doctor before trying a new sport or activity, particularly if your seizures are uncontrolled. These are some of the things you might want to discuss with your doctor. How often you have seizures. What happens when you have a seizure. If you have a warning before a seizure. How long your seizures usually last. If there are things you know trigger your seizures (for example flashing lights, excitement, and disturbed sleep). What risk there could be for you and other people if you had a seizure during the activity. What support would be available if you needed it. Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 5

6 Some activities Boxing If you have epilepsy, a history of epilepsy, or take anti-epileptic medication, regulations say you are not able to box. Climbing Heights are a potential danger to anyone with epilepsy. This doesn t necessarily mean that you shouldn t go climbing. But you will need to think carefully about your safety and that of the other people with you in any climbing group. If you are still having seizures, you may need to consider avoiding this sport, until you have better seizure control. It is possible that being at high altitudes (above 3,500 metres/11,666 feet) can cause fluid retention. For someone with epilepsy, fluid retention could trigger seizures. The risk of this happening, however, is thought to be very small. 6 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

7 Cycling Normal safety precautions for cyclists, such as wearing high-visibility clothing and protective headgear, are particularly important if you have epilepsy and want to cycle. If you still have seizures, try to avoid cycling on busy roads. If you have frequent seizures, you may decide to avoid cycling on public roads altogether, until your seizures are under better control. Extreme sports Cave diving, hang gliding, parachuting, snowboarding and bungee jumping are just a few examples of extreme sports. Whichever sport you choose, there is usually a governing body that sets the safety regulations. Contact Epilepsy Action for further information. Fishing If your seizures are completely controlled, you need to consider the general safety precautions for fishing. If your seizures are uncontrolled, never fish alone and make sure the person with you knows what to do if you have a seizure.wearing a life jacket is essential if there s a danger of falling into the water. Gym If your seizures have been totally controlled for some time, you should be able to use any piece of gym equipment. If you are still at risk of having seizures, there may be equipment that you shouldn t use in order to avoid injury to yourself or other people.you could discuss this with the staff at the gym and ask for a safety assessment. Hiking and rambling There s no reason why having epilepsy should stop you going hiking or rambling. If your seizures are not controlled, it s a good idea to go with someone who knows what to do if you have a seizure. The Ramblers Association have information on safety aspects of rambling and hiking for people with epilepsy. Contact Epilepsy Action for their details. Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 7

8 Horse riding Horse riding can be safe for people whose seizures are well controlled, or who always have a long enough warning before a seizure. If your seizures are not well controlled and could cause you to fall off the horse, you may still be able to ride. However, you would need to be closely supervised by someone walking alongside the horse. 8 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

9 Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room There is no reason why you shouldn t use these. However, if your seizures are not well controlled, you could have someone with you who would know how to help you, if you have a seizure. Martial arts If you have seizures, it would be best to ask your doctor for advice before practising martial arts. Whatever type of martial art you choose, you should make sure that the people in charge know about your epilepsy and what to do if you have a seizure. Running and jogging If you go running or jogging, you may wish to consider taking some extra safety precautions. These could include keeping to well-lit and traffic-free routes. If your epilepsy is not controlled, you should ideally go with someone else and/or have a mobile phone with you to call for help if necessary. Scuba diving It is recommended by the British Sub-Aqua Club that you are free from awake seizures and off medication for five years if you want to go scuba diving. If you only have seizures while asleep, you should be seizure-free and off medication for three years. Skiing Cross country and downhill skiing can both be enjoyed by many people with epilepsy. However, if your seizures are not well controlled, you should avoid downhill skiing. This is because it would be dangerous if you had a seizure. If you are going cross country skiing, go with someone who knows what to do if you have a seizure. Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 9

10 Squash There are no specific safety precautions. But if you are still having seizures, it would be a good idea to check with your doctor before you take up squash. In addition to possible danger from the equipment if you had a seizure, squash is particularly strenuous. Strenuous activity can trigger seizures in some people. Swimming If your seizures are completely controlled, you don t need to take any greater safety precautions than anyone else. If you are still having seizures you need to consider safety precautions. For example: Seek advice from your doctor or epilepsy nurse. Discuss issues such as your seizure type(s), frequency, and any other factors that could affect your safety when swimming. When possible, have a companion in the water with you. Talk to the staff at your local swimming facilities about any special requirements you may have. Use a floating/buoyancy aid. Think safety at all times. If there is a lifeguard or pool supervisor present, make them aware of your epilepsy. If there s no qualified lifeguard present, don t swim deeper than the shoulder height of the companion swimming with you. Make sure that your companion knows what to do if you have a seizure and is strong enough to help you. (See How to deal with a seizure in the water opposite.) Practise what to do if you have a seizure with your companion. This will boost your confidence and theirs. You could ask a lifeguard to show you how to deal with a seizure that happens in the water. Don t swim if you are feeling unwell. Avoid overcrowded situations, as it might be difficult for others to notice if you have a seizure. 10 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

11 How to deal with a seizure in the water Tonic-clonic seizures basic guidelines From behind, tilt the person s head so it is out of the water. If possible, move the person to shallow water, while holding their head above water. Don t restrain their movements or place anything in their mouth. Once jerking movements have stopped, move them to dry land. Place them on their side to recover. Stay with them until they feel better. Absence and partial seizures basic guidelines Protect the person from danger, for example by guiding them away from deep water or by holding their head above the water. When they recover, check if they need to get out of the water as they may feel confused and need to rest. Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 11

12 When to call an ambulance When you believe the person has swallowed or breathed in water, even if they appear to be fully recovered. When the person goes from one seizure to another without regaining consciousness between seizures. When the seizure lasts longer than is usual for the person or, if in doubt, when the seizure continues for more than five minutes. When the person has been injured. Team sports (including football, rugby and netball) Generally, there is no evidence to suggest that you should avoid team sports, as long as you follow the normal safeguards. These safeguards may include wearing the proper head protection as recommended by the official sporting body. If your epilepsy has been caused by a head injury, your doctor may advise you to avoid these types of sports. 12 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

13 Water sports in general Water sports can be enjoyed by people with epilepsy whose seizures are well controlled. If your seizures are completely controlled, you need to consider the general safety precautions for that sport. If your seizures are uncontrolled, you need to consider safety issues related to your seizures. For example: Some water sports can be hazardous and may be best avoided. Don t do water sports on your own. Make sure someone with you knows about your epilepsy and how to rescue you if necessary. Wearing a life jacket is essential if there s a danger of falling into the water. Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 13

14 Yoga Yoga can be of benefit to some people with epilepsy. It is said to help people become balanced in mind and body and to aid relaxation. There are different types of yoga available. Strong pranayama (breathing control) and trataka (gazing at a meditation object) should be avoided by people with epilepsy, as they could trigger a seizure. More information about yoga is available from the British Wheel of Yoga (Sport England recognised national governing body for yoga). If there is an activity you are interested in, that isn t mentioned in this booklet, please contact Epilepsy Action. We will do our best to help. 14 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

15 About this booklet This publication was written by Epilepsy Action s advice and information team, with guidance and input from people living with epilepsy and medical experts. Our thanks Epilepsy Action would like to thank Alison Hyslop, Sapphire Nurse Specialist, Milton Keynes General Hospital, for her contribution to this booklet. Disclosure Alison Hyslop has no conflict of interest. Disclaimer Epilepsy Action makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information in its publications but cannot be held liable for any actions taken based on this information. Feedback If you have any comments about this booklet, we would love to hear from you.you can also contact us if you would like to know where we got our information from. Booklet number: B Information reviewed for accuracy: November 2012 Review date: November 2014 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 15

16 Further information If you have any questions about epilepsy, please contact the Epilepsy Helpline, freephone , text or visit our website Epilepsy Action has a wide range of publications about many different aspects of epilepsy. Please contact the Epilepsy Helpline to request your free information catalogue. Information is available in the following formats: booklets, fact sheets, posters, books, videos, DVDs and CDs. Information is also available in Braille and large text. Epilepsy Action s support services Local meetings: around 100 local branches offer support across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. forum4e: our online community provides an opportunity to contact other people with epilepsy from all over the world, on a safe and secure website: (For ages 16 years and over.) Live online advice: from time to time we run regular advice forums, where trained advisers answer your epilepsy questions live on our website. For more details, visit Epilepsy awareness training: Epilepsy Action has a number of trained volunteers who deliver epilepsy awareness sessions to any organisation that would like to learn more about the condition.the volunteers are able to offer a comprehensive introduction to epilepsy to a range of audiences. If you would like more information about any of these services, please contact the Epilepsy Helpline or visit our website. 16 Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure

17 Epilepsy: sport and leisure 01/11 - B Please complete this form to tell us what you think of this publication. How useful have you found this publication? Very useful Useful Quite useful Not at all useful Is the language clear and easy to understand? Very clear and easy to understand Clear and easy to understand Quite clear and easy to understand Not at all clear or easy to understand Does this publication cover all you want to know about the topic? Completely Mostly Not quite Not at all What do you think of the design and general layout of this publication? Excellent Good OK Poor Please let us have your comments: Date: Please return the completed form to: Epilepsy Services, Epilepsy Action, FREEPOST LS0995, Leeds LS19 7YY Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 17

18 Epilepsy Action FREEPOST LS0995 LEEDS LS19 7YY Registered charity in England (No )

19 How to contact us Telephone the Epilepsy Helpline freephone Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Our helpline staff are Typetalk trained Write to us free of charge at FREEPOST LS0995, Leeds, LS19 7YY us at or visit our website: Text your enquiry to About the Epilepsy Helpline The helpline is able to offer advice and information in 150 languages. We provide confidential advice and information to anyone living with epilepsy but we will not tell them what to do. We can give general medical information but cannot offer a medical diagnosis or suggest treatment. We can give general information on legal and welfare benefit issues specifically related to epilepsy. We cannot, however, take up people s cases on their behalf. Our staff are trained advisers with an extensive knowledge of epilepsy related issues.where we cannot help directly, we will do our best to provide contact details of another service or organisation better able to help with the query. In doing this, Epilepsy Action is not making a recommendation. We welcome comments, both positive and negative, about our services. To ensure the quality of our services we may monitor calls to the helpline. Epilepsy Action: Epilepsy: sport and leisure 19

20 01/11 - B Epilepsy Helpline: freephone text helpline@epilepsy.org.uk Epilepsy Action New Anstey House, Gate Way Drive,Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY tel fax Epilepsy Helpline freephone epilepsy@epilepsy.org.uk text Copyright Epilepsy Action 2011 Epilepsy Action is the working name of British Epilepsy Association A company limited by guarantee (registered in England No ) Registered charity in England (No ) Environmental statement All Epilepsy Action booklets are printed on environmentally friendly, low-chlorine bleached paper. All paper used to make this booklet is from sustainable forests.