As an outstanding 15-year-old athlete, Nolan loved to play football. He enjoyed the competition, the camaraderie, and the focus and discipline of being on the team. He also relished the demanding training and exercise, which made him strong and physically fit. Like any young athlete, the last thing he wanted was to be sidelined by an illness, which, in his case was epilepsy.
But suddenly, in late middle school, his seizures increased. He was experiencing grand mal, or generalized tonic-clonic, seizures, with whole-body jerky movements and unawareness for two to three minutes followed by a recovery period, with sleepiness and confusion for up to 30 minutes. His parents and coaches became concerned, and reluctantly they delivered the news that for his own safety, he should stop playing.
“Two years on the sideline would be difficult for any athlete who loves the action of competitive sports, and Nolan was no exception,” explained his thoughtful and supportive mother. “As time went on, he became more withdrawn, and we were concerned about the change in his mood.”
It was at this moment that Nolan and his family traveled to Cleveland Clinic’s Epilepsy Center for consultation. The specialist prescribed a new medication, but then suddenly, Nolan’s seizures increased dramatically — and for the first time, a routine blood test showed no trace of the seizure medication in his system.
Why would a person with epilepsy intentionally stop taking seizure medication? Nolan was certainly not alone. Research shows that up to half of patients with epilepsy may not take their medications as directed, and this is especially true for teenagers. The medical term for this is non-adherence, and among people who present to emergency rooms because of increased seizures, it is the cause of the increase in over 50 percent of cases.
Together, Nolan and his doctor developed a plan. She proposed to stop the medication that made him feel sick to his stomach, while he agreed to take another medication and follow directions.
Three months later, he returned for follow-up. His seizures had subsided, he felt well on the medication and the level of the drug in his system was normal. Following the plan was a big challenge, but as a consummate athlete, Nolan mastered the challenge and greatly impressed everyone with his determination. Within no time, he was back on the field and starring in all the games.
Nolan’s mother notes that being back on the team has been very good for him. “He’s making new friends, his mood has improved and he’s having fewer seizures than ever before. We’re pleased that he hasn’t had any seizures on the field, but his coaches are prepared, should one occur.”
Although as neurologists we are concerned about the risk for concussion and head trauma for anyone who plays football, Nolan reminds us that most people with epilepsy can be active in sports — as long as seizure control is adequate, medications are monitored, and coaches and trainers are properly prepared. For some people with epilepsy, sports are a challenge because of frequent seizures or the presence of other physical or intellectual handicaps; in rare cases, individuals have exercise-induced seizures. But for most people with epilepsy, remaining physically active can actually have a beneficial effect.
The majority of contact and noncontact sports are usually considered safe for people with epilepsy, including swimming, as long as the child is constantly supervised whenever she’s in the water. For activities involving heights or speed, the recommendations must be fine-tuned for each individual, and some riskier activities are simply not advisable for people with epilepsy, such as hang-gliding, sky-diving and free rock climbing. Of course, no one can foresee the future, and anyone can have an accident or other serious problem during sports or any other activity. But the risk for most people with epilepsy is low compared to the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Nolan’s parents, as well as his doctor, are delighted to see him back in the game. If your child with epilepsy would like to become active in sports, then we encourage you speak with his or her doctor to explore the possibilities.
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Epilepsy Experiences — Outstanding Athlete Gets Back in the Game originally appeared on usnews.com
