Being active and exercising, in recreational activities or sports can improve mental, emotional and physical health. It’s important for everyone and should be encouraged for people with epilepsy. Sometimes people don’t exercise or play sports for fear that it could worsen seizures or lead to injuries. Yet, consider the following...

Water Sport Safety: Water sports, including swimming, snorkeling, jet-ski riding, windsurfing, and sailing, are risky for people with epilepsy, but with a few accommodations they may be safely pursued by some people.

Contact sports such as football, rugby, basketball, soccer, and ice hockey are generally safe for people with seizures. People may worry about the chance of head or bodily injury, which is common in these sports. The risk of concussions has also become a hot topic with some contact sports lately. A few thoughts about contact sports…

Most individuals with epilepsy can safely exercise in a gym, use exercise equipment, and do other types of exercise. A few thoughts…

Recreational activities are very important for socializing and happiness too. Finding the balance between a safe life and an active life is possible! Thinking ahead and making a few changes is all that’s needed to stay active!

Adapted from Brainstorms Companion: Epilepsy in Our View, Living Safely with Epilepsy (113-129).

Authored By:Joseph I. Sirven MDPatty Obsorne Shafer RN, MNSteven C Schachter, MD

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

Download our seizure tracking app, print out seizure action plans, or explore other educational materials.

Arizona’s Governor Ducey Signs SB 1654 into Law

Brynleigh’s Act Signed into Law by Governor Hogan of Maryland

Utah and Florida Seizure Safe Schools Bills Signed into Law

Ready for help? Find an Epilepsy specialist who can help guide you through your epilepsy journey.

3540 Crain Highway, Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716

©️ 2022 Epilepsy Foundation®️, is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Tax ID: 52-0856660