Epilepsy Information

Main sports: special precautions


ACTIVITY PRECAUTIONS
Baseball • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Basketball • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - consider a helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Bike Riding • Avoid busy streets
• Ride on bike paths
• Ride on side streets
• Wear a helmet
Boxing • High risk activity
• Should be avoided
Bungee Jumping • High risk activity
• Should be avoided
Canoeing/ Kayaking • Never swim alone. Have a "Buddy."
• Buddy should know seizure first aid
• Always wear a high-quality, properly fitted life vest when near the
water to help prevent drowning.
Exercise • Have a 'buddy" when using equipment like treadmills or bicycles
• Consider a helmet when using equipment like treadmills or bicycles
• Consider a shock absorbing mat
• Take frequent breaks
• Keep hydrated
Football • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Gymnastics • Have a 'buddy" when using equipment like balance beams
• Consider a helmet when using a balance beam
• Consider a shock absorbing mat
• Take frequent breaks
• Keep hydrated
* Hang Gliding • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
Horseback Riding • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Ice Hockey • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Jet Ski Riding • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
* Mountain Climbing • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
* Rappelling • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
* Rock Climbing • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
Rollerblading • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Rugby • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
* Scuba Diving • Should be avoided by individual with uncontrolled seizures

Skateboarding

• Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Skiing • Dress for warmth
• Wear protective gear
• Consider a safety strap when riding the t-bar
• Best to ski with a "buddy"
• Don't go off open trails
Snorkeling • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
* Skydiving • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
Soccer • Wear protective clothing:
  - elbow or knee pads
  - helmet
  - protective eyeglasses or goggles
Surfing/Wind Surfing • Should be avoided by individuals with uncontrolled seizures
Swimming • Never swim alone. Have a "Buddy."
• Buddy should know seizure first aid
• Always wear a high-quality, properly fitted life vest when near the water to help prevent drowning.
• Inform the lifeguard if swimming in a pool

* These sports require full concentration, and any episode of loss of consciousness may
lead to injury and possible death.

ALWAYS WEAR A MEDIC ALERT BRACELET OR NECKLACE AND CARRY A MEDIC ALERT INFORMATION CARD!

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