I just recently got started in BJJ. I have a mild seizure disorder (non-convulsive), I don't normally like telling anyone, but I was wondering if this is something that my instructor should be aware of for safety reasons.
Any input would be appreciated.
Im sort of in the same boat. Luckily some new medications I took a few years ago left me free from convulsions but I rarely get some simple partial seizures. Its usually when im exhausted from a lack of sleep rather than a problem with my cardio. If I feel them coming I just make an excuse to sit out.
Anyway, on to your problem. I have been a clinical neurophysiologist, have a degree in Neuroscience and my dads a consultant neurologist so I may be able to help a little. First of all what type of epilepsy do you have, which medications do you take, do you have auras before you have your seizures, which stimuli usually cause the seizures (lack of sleep, flashing lights etc) and how long do your seizures last.
Here is some general advice
1) Tell your instructor, they will usually treat you differently at first but they get over that pretty quickly. Just tell them what they need to do if you are experiencing seizures.
2) Make sure you are taking your pills at the exact time you were told to.
3) Never forget to take your pills. For every seizure you have the more likely it is that you will get more and severe seizures.
4) Auras in themselves are actually seizures, as soon as you are experiencing the auras find a safe place to rest.
Feel free to ask questions about my experiences as someone with epilepsy who has trained for 5 years.
