Can a child with epilepsy participate in sports and normal activities?

For many children, epilepsy can be easily controlled with prescribed medication. When this is achieved, these children can participate in the same activities as other children and perform well academically [5]. However, data indicates that students with epilepsy may face activity limitations, such as reduced participation in sports or school clubs compared to their peers with other medical conditions [5]. The extent of a child's ability to participate depends on their response to treatment and the guidance of their healthcare provider.

Managing school and sports activities safely

To ensure a child's safety during physical and school activities, it is essential to have a Seizure Action Plan. This plan contains key information that allows school staff and coaches to assist a student having a seizure, including details on first aid, medication, and contact information for parents and the healthcare provider [5]. It is also important to educate teachers and students about epilepsy and monitor student behavior to prevent bullying that the child might experience [5]. To learn more about this comprehensive aspect, you can read Childhood Epilepsy: Seizure Types, Diagnosis, and How to Support a Child at School and Home (Arabic).

Triggers to avoid during physical activities

Triggers do not cause epilepsy itself, but they may provoke a seizure in susceptible children. During daily activities, students should be helped to avoid triggers specified in their Seizure Action Plan, such as flashing lights [5]. Other common triggers that may be associated with physical exertion and daily routines include stress, fatigue, dehydration or missing meals, sleep deprivation, as well as hormonal changes [2]. Ensuring the child stays hydrated and eats regularly helps reduce these risks.

First aid if a seizure occurs during activity

If a child has a seizure during an activity, you must stay calm, remain with them, and move any nearby objects that could cause injury [4]. In the case of generalized seizures that may cause falling and loss of consciousness, the child should be gently lowered to the ground, placed on their side with their mouth directed toward the ground to keep the airway open, and a soft, flat object should be placed under their head, such as a jacket [4]. It is very important not to restrain the child or attempt to stop their movements, and to avoid putting anything in their mouth to prevent injury to the teeth or jaw [4].

When to call for medical emergency services

In most cases, seizures do not require emergency medical intervention, but there are specific circumstances that require immediate emergency contact. Medical assistance (such as calling 911) should be requested if the seizure occurs in water, which is a critical consideration if the child is swimming [4]. Emergency services should also be called if the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, if another seizure occurs shortly after the first, if the child is injured during the seizure, or if they have difficulty breathing or waking up after it ends [4].

Medical references

• Epilepsy and Seizures
• First Aid for Seizures | Epilepsy | CDC
• Managing Epilepsy in Schools | Managing Health Conditions in School | CDC