Exercise has important benefits for patients who have epilepsy, but several
factors must be considered when making activity recommendations. Seizures
during sports activity are rare, and exercise may have antiepileptic effect
s acutely, but physicians, coaches, and parents should know what to do if a
seizure occurs. Many sports activities are permissible as long as patients
avoid overexertion, dehydration, and hypoglycemia. Some antiepileptic drug
s may adversely affect sports performance, and exercise in turn may reduce
serum drug levels by increasing circulating liver enzymes.