Sport Comorbidities in Children with Epilepsy

Children with epilepsy are often advised against Participation in sports and exercises .mostly because of fear , over protections ,and ignorance about its nature .A major cause for a reduced quality of life in people with epilepsy is the prejudice that comes with the disease. people with epilepsy are often discriminated against at school, in the work place, and they may be denied basic rights, including the ability to be actively engaged in sports. Thus schools and institutions need to plan educational programs for children with epilepsy. Exercise has been shown to provide some benefits such as reduce the frequency of seizures, improvement of self-confidence, reduction of anxiety, depression, obesity and make better in bone density and coronary heart disease.no studies were found in providing a correlation between seizures and exercises but one supportive hypothesis proposes that beta-endorphins released during exercise has inhibited epileptic discharges. Material and Methods: Between 10 children at ages 5-16 years old , referred to the Khatam Hospital in the city of Tehran (2017-2018) five of them(2 girls,3boys) have history of neonate convulsion, no major motor or sensory impairment has reported. After participating in sports, seizures occurred again at school in form of GTC. Discussion : This study has claimed that children and teenagers who suffer from epilepsy may experience prolonged seizures while exercising or practicing any sport .people with epilepsy are at higher risk of injury and sudden death rather than healthy people. Participation in sport/exercise in rare cases can trigger seizures. But a regular exercise program increases serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine synthesis and regulates Neurotrophin, reduces stress and seizures. Finding: Five of the 10 children with epilepsy have showed seizures during exercises at school in form of GTC. They reported history of neonatal febrile convulsion. Their attacks controlled with AEDs partially. They experienced some CPS during LTM .Brain MRI showed normal. dehydration can cause body stress which would see lower the seizure threshold and cause seizures .They had signs of headache, Fatigue ,nausea ,dizziness, hunger during exercise, due to electrolyte imbalance that are triggers.some medication such as Topamax may overheat their body during sport and cause confusion and seizures., Results: According to this study, Children with CPS with or without secondary generalization, seizures occurred during strenuous exercises. Such as ball games, jogging and hiking. Whereas, patients with TLE in exhaustive sports showed none experienced seizures during or after exercises. Finally hypoxia, dehydration, hyponatremia, hyperthermia, hyperventilation and hypoglycemia during exercise appears to deter seizure onset. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, juice) during and soon after exercise, we will see upper the seizure threshold. Therefore, they stay well-hydrated. Encourage them to do the activities during the coolest parts of the day in hot weather, or try activity for shorter periods of time and rest frequently, play with a buddy if possible. The amount or intensity of exercise may be gradually increased if the child tolerates it without any problems. Conclusion: participation in sports and physical activity is an important way to maintain both physical and psychological health.preventive care education for children with epilepsy during exercises at school is important. The majority of sports are safe for epileptics to participate in (Running, bike, gymnastics, aerobic, yoga, ...)and will potentially reduce seizure frequency and improve quality of life .sports at heights, motor, shooting, scuba diving not recommended. Swimming and horseback riding, permitted if under supervision proper protection such as helmet, knee-elbow pads and life vest. So, regular physical exercise had led to better seizure control. Suggesting that increased attention and vigilance during physical activity may reduce the occurrence of injury for children with epilepsy. Children with CPS are higher risk of hurt rather than TLE.