Safely Running with Epilepsy

[Vitty]

I've just been diagnosed with epilepsy , although I think in hindsight I've been having partial seizures since I started running 4 years ago. I don't want to stop running, but also don't want to hurt myself if I do have a seizure. Any tips on running safely?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Do your seizures have any pattern, enabling you to avoid certain circumstances? Can you find a running partner?

My advice would be to talk to your medical specialists, GP or consultant, since they have greater knowledge than you at this stage. You are plucky to persist following that diagnosis and I wish you the best of luck.

[Vitty Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. The doctor said that it was important to keep doing excersise, including running - so not too worried about that side of things, just want to minimise the risk of hurting myself.

I haven't noticed a pattern with the seizures, although I think dehydration is a contributing factor. The diagnosis has stopped me driving which is a massive impact on my life, I'm not going to let it scare me into stopping doing other things I enjoy (although I can't believe I actually enjoy running!)

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Yes, I would agree you need to speak to your medical team -you won't be the first. I would also think if you are going for a run it is very important that you let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back - bit like hill climber. Good lcuk

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Good idea. There is an ap for the phone that will send someone a text and GPS location of your coordinates while running. It can also send a text if you stop moving for a few minutes, which would be handy if you have a seizure. Can't recall the name. The basic version was free. It would be worthwhile to look at a medical alert bracelet and/or shoe tags with relevant information.

[loisamelia Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

I think Strava has something like this. I know when my husband goes out for a ride he can get it to send me a text with a link to his activity. Only trouble is I don't have a smartphone so we've never really used that feature

[Millsie-J Graduate]

I understand your reluctance to let this stop you doing what you wish to do.

i would suggest you make sure you are hydrated and appropriately fuelled when planning to run.

Listen to your body at all times.

Try to run with others when you can, maybe a running club for example, parkrun etc

Make sure you have ID with you which is easily accessible, and who to contact if needed

Carry details of your condition and what to do if you have a seizure.

Develop routes where you are not isolated.

Do not ever run if your body is saying not to.

Try not to let this condition rule your schedules, plan well and perhaps keep a log of how you felt each run, what your prep was etc so that you can learn from past events.

Good luck runner!

[Vitty Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I'm sure there must be runners with epilepsy whose expertise you could tap into - perhaps via one of the charities - or there may well be a HealthUnlocked forum.

You have at least learned how to run already so will be in a better position to recognise what is part of the normal cycle of running experience and what might be prodromal signs.

I have different health issues and I am delighted to say that I have largely got beyond the point of needing to lie down in the woods, but it is one of the reasons for having Google with me when I run and I did feel slightly edgy when I had to go without her (ironically because *she'd* had an incident of getting into difficulty). I've no real idea what she'd do though! I've not looked into it but could you use a live tracking service and have someone check up on you or something like what runswithdogs has suggested.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Some great advice above. Everyone seems to be covering the basic, prevention and what to do if the worst happened, ICE, (in Case of Emergency) on the phone. In your contacts the person you want to be contacted under the name ICE, you can get an app that you can put medical details in. On a positive note, years ago I had a friend who was diagnosed and she got to have an inkling 24 hours before as she learnt how her body dealt with it, so in time you might too, good luck and stay safe rfcx.