Connect
← Return to Roles of seeing an epileptologist and lifestyle changes for epilepsy
Discussion
Roles of seeing an epileptologist and lifestyle changes for epilepsy
Epilepsy & Seizures | Last Active: Nov 21 1:32am | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
I take the opposite view. We have no clue how many or how often we are going to get seizures. There is just a tremendous amount of unknown information regarding seizures. One may have x amount of seizures per month or none at all and it can change as we move thru time. So sorry, I say buying a threadmill has nothing to do with having or not having seizures.
Same with taking a certain pill and saying you have not had a seizure because of the pill. What if you did not take the pill? Would you still not have the seizures? UNKNOWN. I stopped taking Keppra 2 months ago because of side effects and have not had a seizure since. Mmmmm....interesting thoughts. God Bless
Ray Hippele
Replies to "I take the opposite view. We have no clue how many or how often we are..."
@hippele
I can't say for sure what effect the treadmill will have regarding seizures @royanthony is using however, it is believed exercise is beneficial in people have seizures and fewer seizures are experienced in some people. Speaking for myself, I used to swim 5 miles 7 days a week and never once had a seizure in the pool maybe that means something. Maybe it doesn't however, I did have many more seizures when I wasn't active. But I did have seizures when I was walking in malls, walking downtown when mowing the lawn pruning a tree and doing something on the roof which I fell off of twice, so I don't recommend doing that. I wondered if the intensity of the exercise is what may decrease seizures. The problem is people normally with seizures don't participate in exercise type studies so there's not a lot of accurateinformation about it.
as far as not taking a pill and having a seizure, I can tell you with certainty that I would absolutely start seizing if I missed my medication. I speak from experience because every time I have ever missed medicine I've always had seizures many times ending up in the hospital because they wouldn't stop or because so many happened one after another. not taking your medication maybe the best thing for you. I know if I wouldn't have seizures by not taking it I wouldn't. I do personally believe that it would be advisable not to drive for a year or so just to see how everything goes.
as they say better safe than sorry.
All the best,
Jake
Connect
@hippele, you're right that there is still a lot that is unknown about seizures and research continues to make advances in care. That said, there is a lot that we do know. There are different treatment options that are effective for many patients. Here's some useful information about treatment options from Mayo Clinic here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350098
It is also known that for some people, the right fitness and nutrition plan can be big part of managing epilepsy. For example, the right diet and exercise can improve your seizure control, to which some Connect members have attested. Of course, it’s important to understand how to safely approach nutrition and exercise, and it's advisable to check with your care team.
Some people find it helpful to keep a journal to help discover if their seizures occur in a pattern or are more likely to occur in certain situations. Sometimes is just by chance, but other times it’s not. Keeping track can help identify seizure triggers.
Please also note that all information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.
Hippele, I'm glad to hear that you remain seizure-free since discontinuing treatment. This seems to be right for you. Did you discontinue treatment under the guidance of your doctor? Have you had any non-seizure symptoms?