てんかんとスポーツ

Participation of People with Epilepsy in Sports

てんかんを持つ人々の身体運動やスポーツ活動は発作誘発の危険性，外傷リスク，過保護などにより制限されていたが，近年は制限することによる不利益が問題となってきた。運動は，発作誘発リスクより，発作抑制などの陽性効果が見込まれ，安全性の高い陸上スポーツや身体運動は積極的に参加することが奨励されている。国際抗てんかん連盟は，スポーツ参加に関して，運転免許取得時の法規制の適用を提案し，危険度を3グループに分類し，安全なスポーツ活動参加を促している。

Abstract

People with epilepsy (PWE) have been discouraged from participating in exercise and sports because of the fear of inducing seizures or increasing seizure frequency, risks associated with such activities, stigma, and overprotection. Recently, there has been a shift in the medical recommendations toward encouraging, rather than restricting, participation. Cases of exercise-induced seizures are rare. Physical activity can exert beneficial actions, such as a reduction in seizure susceptibility and the number of seizures, improvement in quality of life (QOL), and better social integration. The antiepileptogenic and neuroprotective effects of exercise in epilepsy have been shown. The majority of sports are safe for PWE to participate in when special attention is paid to seizure control, direct supervision, etc.

Human and animal studies have supported the use of exercise as a therapy for epilepsy, complementary to standard treatments.

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy offers general guidelines concerning the participation of PWE in sports activities. Sports are divided into three categories based on the potential risk of injury or death. Engaging in physical exercise and sports activities has positive effects for PWE. The ILAE propose to use the regulations governing the issuance of fitness certificates for driving as a possible guide.

The decision to participate in sports is based on whether the benefit outweighs the risk.