The major concern regarding epilepsy and sports participation is that a head injury in an athlete could worsen the condition. While there is no conclusive evidence that repetitive minor head injuries from contact sports increase seizure frequency, helmet use remains an important recommendation for athletes who have epilepsy. Epilepsy patients and their families are commonly concerned about seizures during exercise.
Fear often results in overprotection, feelings of isolation, and needless activity restrictions.
When making activity participation decisions, the patient and physician need to know common seizure precipitants during exercise. Seizures during exercise are rare. Some studies suggest that epilepsy may even improve with exercise. This may relate to the increased attention and awareness having an antiepileptic effect. If seizures do occur, they are most likely after exercise possibly related to metabolic acidosis when a significant oxygen deficit occurs.