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Seizures and Epilepsy in Sports, Sports Medicine

Nilesh Shah, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM and Chad J. Giles, DO Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A seizure is an abnormal paroxysmal electrical discharge in the brain, usually with mental status changes.

  • Individuals who have two unprovoked seizures that occur >24 hr apart are ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Convulsions (focal or generalized)

  • Change in muscle tone

  • Decreased level of consciousness

  • Staring spells

  • Loss of control of bowel or bladder

  • Postictal confusion

  • Postictal psychosis

  • Todd para...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Supportive: airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)

  • Roll patients with active tonic-clonic seizures on their side in the “recovery position.”

  • Do not use bite block or tongue ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Monitor levels of AEDs, especially in first couple months of training. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • People with chronic diseases, including epilepsy, should...

REFERENCES

1
Sander JW. The epidemiology of epilepsy revisited. Curr Opin Neurol.  2003;16(2):165–170.
2
Arida RM, Cavalheiro EA, da Silva AC, et al. Physical activity and epilepsy: proven and predi...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Cantu RV. Epilepsy and athletics. Clin Sports Med.  1998;17(1):61–69.

  • Fountain NB, May AC. Epilepsy and athletics. Clin Sports Med.  2003;22(3):605–616.

  • Howard GM, Radloff M...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • In general, individuals with epilepsy or new onset seizure disorder should avoid high-risk activities such as scuba diving, skydiving, and group 3 sports.

  • There is no definitive evidenc...

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