• Skip Navigation ↓
  • Help

Home

  • Home
  • Health
  • Home Life
  • Work
  • Community
  • Life Changes

Related Material

  • Living with Seizures
  • Supporting Exercise for Consumers
  • Travel Planning with Seizures
  • Summer Safety and Travel for Persons with Epilepsy
More Like This
This article is part of a packetThis Article is Part of the Packet "Exercise"

Also in This Packet:
The Safe Way to Exercise
Stay Active and Stay Healthy
Supporting Exercise for Consumers
Exercise Safety Checklist
See All

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version
Send to friendSend to friend
 

Exercise Tips for People Who Have Seizures

Couple Exercising In Park

There are different kinds of seizures.

  • People usually don’t know when they are going to have a seizure.
  • Seizures happen in your brain, but they cause your body to move.
  • Seizures affect your whole body.

Exercise can lower the chance of a seizure.

  • Exercise is a great way to lower stress.
  • Lowering stress can decrease the chance of having a seizure.
  • If you have seizures, you can still exercise and stay safe.

Talk to your doctor before starting new exercises.

  • Your doctor will check your:
  • General health
  • Medications
  • The way you move
  • Talk to your doctor about:
  • Which exercises are best for you
  • How to stay safe when exercising

Exercise with people who know about your seizures.

  • Make sure your exercise partners know what to do if you have a seizure.
  • Wear a bracelet or necklace with information about your seizures.

Exercise in a safe place.

  • Make sure that there is help nearby if you have a seizure.
  • Exercise on soft surfaces like grass or mats.
  • Wear knee and elbow pads.

Be careful while swimming.

  • Never swim alone.
  • Go with good swimmers who can help you if you have a seizure.
  • Always wear a life vest.
  • Tell a lifeguard about your seizures.

Be careful while playing sports.

  • If you play sports like football or hockey, wear a helmet.

Be careful while biking, hiking, or running.

  • Stay away from busy streets and dangerous trails.
  • Wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.
  • Let other people know where you are going.

Even though exercise is good, it can start a seizure.

  • Don’t get really tired - take breaks often!
  • Don’t exercise when it’s very hot.
  • Don’t get overheated.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Eat healthy foods.

You can learn more about exercising and seizures.

  • Living with Epilepsy
  • Physical Fitness
  • Epilepsy and Exercise
Download: 
application/pdf iconExercise Tips for People Who Have Seizures Presentation

Last updated on March 26th, 2010

  • Accessibility
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
  • Home
  • Health
  • Home Life
  • Work
  • Community
  • Life Changes

© Copyright 2010 California Department of Developmental Services
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Web Design by Boxcar Studio