Abstract Details

Title Sport Participation in Epileptic Children: A Review of the Literature

Topic Sports Neurology

Presentation(s) IN5 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 001

Objective

Background Over the last few decades, a more permissive approach has been taken towards epileptic youth and their participation in sports. Despite this progress, most studies show that epileptic children are less physically active than non-epileptic children. Unnecessary restrictions are set due to fears of exercise-induced seizures, injuries caused by seizures, or fatigue post-exercise that may precipitate seizures. While there is potential for injury in the epileptic patient, data show this is not significant.

Design/Methods Medline and SportDiscus were searched November 23, 2011 using EBSCOhost interface. No limits were imposed for language, study design or publication date. Database searching identified 162 records for screening. Two reviewers (ECL and ES) evaluated each bibliographic record against the inclusion criteria of the review. The consensus of the two reviewers was required to exclude a study. This resulted in 85 records that were obtained in full text for final determination of eligibility. Ultimately, 33 records were included for review.

Results Providing seizures are reasonably controlled, most sports are acceptable to play, although some may require additional supervision. Many studies have revealed that there is no increased injury risk among epileptic children who participate in contact sports. Not only does sport restriction impact a child from a psychosocial standpoint, but it is believed that a sedentary lifestyle in this population presents greater health risks than sport participation itself.

Conclusions This review suggests that further studies should examine the epidemiology regarding seizure rates and triggers among young epileptic athletes within their respective competitive sports. This would enable physicians to provide future young athletes suffering from epilepsy with more precise data regarding risks and benefits.

Authors/Disclosures
PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
Evan C. Lewis, MD (Neurology Centre of Toronto @ Kindercare Pediatrics)	No disclosure on file
Erick Sell, MD (Children's Hospital Of Eastern Ontario)	Dr. Sell has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
Pedro M. Abreu, MD	No disclosure on file

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