Skating and Epilepsy

[momomizu]

 Do any of you have epilepsy? Does it effect your skating? Do you have to take any certain precautions before getting on the ice?

My best guy friend has epilepsy and I'm wondering if he'd be able to ice skate ( just recreationally as a total beginner).

[Minerva]

I don't have epilepsy but I work very closely with others who do.  In your friends case, it would depend on the severity of his epilepsy.  If he is well controlled (i.e. able to drive a car) then it should not be an issue.  If he suffers from atonic seizures or "drop attacks" or if he has frequent GTC seizures then skating would not be a good idea.  As far as his meds, as long as he can function and they do not make him dizzy they should not be an issue.  I would have him alert his coach/instructor that his does have epilepsy however.

Hope that helps.

[Query]

Bearing in mind I have no medical expertise:

I once denied an epileptic access to an outdoor club trip I was leading, for safety reasons. After the fact, other club trip leaders disagreed with my decision. They said people with disabilities are frequently excluded from fun activities. Personal responsibility and the pursuit of happiness are important.

The same dangers, relating to his condition, that occur while skating, also occur while walking on concrete sidewalks, which I assume he does.

So in your place, I would inform him of the issues, suggest he wear padding if his attacks can be sudden, then let him make his own decision, like any other person.

[momomizu]

thanks for your input. His seizures are pretty rare, as i haven't been around when he's had one and I'm with him a lot. His last seizure was in March. He is on meds and Yes, he can drive and has his license. When he does have a seizure, I understand it can be pretty sudden, as in he can't tell it's coming and doesn't remember what happened during the seizure.

I guess the really only other risk would be disco lights on some nights(I'm not sure if it would trigger them), so those days would be out.

Thanks again!

[hopskipjump]

We have adult skaters who wear helmets.  I'd suggest one.  And yes, disco ball nights would probably be out.  Someone mentioned how he could fall on concrete and someone might mention he doesn't wear a helmet outside, but outside on concrete you fall differently, your feet are under you. When you skate they fly up, it's harder to brace against.   So I would suggest a good helmet.

[Bunny Hop]

I guess the really only other risk would be disco lights on some nights(I'm not sure if it would trigger them), so those days would be out.

People with photosensitive epilepsy are only a sub-set of epileptics. If his seizures are not triggered by flashing lights, then he would be fine on those sessions as well. To reiterate what everyone else has said, if his epilepsy is well controlled by medication (which it sounds like it is, if he has a driver's licence) then skating should be no more dangerous than any other activity, and a lot safer than some others. I see that you say the fits come on suddenly, but for general reference a lot of people with epilepsy have some warning beforehand and will have time to react (e.g. sitting/lying down) or alert someone as to what is about to happen.

Epilepsy is often a lot more frightening for the onlookers than the sufferers (except for those who suffer from really chronic epilepsy). As already noted sufferers won't remember what happened, and will often be dazed for several minutes even after apparently regaining consciousness, and replying sensibly to questions. But recovery afterwards is generally quite quick, and apart from a headache they will generally be perfectly fine again within 20-30 minutes. People who have regular seizures will often not need or want to go to hospital afterwards, assuming they haven't hit their head or injured themselves in some way, so don't be surprised if they refuse treatment. It's just to avoid four hours observation in hospital when they're feeling perfectly well.

[momomizu]

thanks for the input! I don't know the extent of his epilepsy. I do know it started because of a head injury about 2 years ago now. Also, for him, he doesn't really know they're coming. He had one during a choir rehearsal awhile back and didn't realize it until he came to on a couch with everyone looking at him. 


Hopefully, when its skating season, he can go.

Thanks again!