Epilepsy: how physiotherapy can support you
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which recurrent epileptic seizures occur. They are caused by sudden, excessive electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain.
Epileptic seizures can take different courses, from brief changes in awareness to pronounced convulsive seizures with muscle twitching.
Depending on which area of the brain is affected, the symptoms can vary greatly.
For many people affected, epilepsy means not only the seizures themselves, but also uncertainty in everyday life, for example during physical activity, work or leisure.
Good medical care and an interdisciplinary treatment approach can help to improve safety, physical performance and quality of life.
Types of epileptic seizures
Medically, there are mainly two basic types of seizure.
Generalised seizures
These seizures affect both halves of the brain at the same time.
The best-known type is the tonic-clonic seizure, in which there is first a stiffening of the muscles (tonic phase) followed by rhythmic muscle twitching (clonic phase). A loss of consciousness often occurs as well.
Focal seizures
Focal seizures begin in a limited area of the brain.
The symptoms depend strongly on which part of the brain is affected. They can show up, for example, as:
- uncontrolled movements of individual parts of the body
- unusual sensory perceptions
- brief confusion or changes in awareness.
Causes of epilepsy
The causes of epilepsy are varied. In many cases, no clear cause can be identified.
Possible triggers can be:
Structural changes in the brain
For example after:
- traumatic brain injury
- stroke
- brain tumours
- congenital malformations
Genetic factors
Certain genetic changes can influence the excitability of nerve cells and so encourage seizures.
Infections
Inflammation of the nervous system, for example:
- meningitis
- encephalitis
- neuroborreliosis
Metabolic disorders
Electrolyte disturbances or other metabolic diseases can also trigger epileptic seizures.
Symptoms and effects of epilepsy
Epileptic seizures can show up in very different ways.
Typical symptoms can be:
- muscle twitching or convulsions
- temporary loss of consciousness
- a fixed stare or brief disturbances of awareness
- uncontrolled movements of individual parts of the body
- unusual sensory perceptions
- feelings of fear, déjà vu or stomach sensations
Effects on everyday life
Many people with epilepsy find not only the seizures themselves stressful, but also their effects on everyday life.
Possible challenges are:
physical limitations
After a seizure, muscle weakness, coordination problems or exhaustion can occur temporarily.
psychological strain
Fear of unpredictable seizures can lead to uncertainty, stress or social withdrawal.
cognitive changes
Some people affected report problems with concentration or memory, partly also as a side effect of medication.
How physiotherapy can support people with epilepsy
Physiotherapy does not treat epilepsy directly, but it can play an important complementary role in the care of people with epilepsy.
The focus is on:
- improving physical resilience
- promoting coordination and balance
- reducing the risk of falls
- supporting confidence in movement and self-confidence
At KINEO Physiotherapy, we work with an individually adapted, evidence-based and patient-centred treatment approach.
This means:
- The treatment is adapted to your individual symptoms, goals and capacity.
- We are guided by current scientific findings in neurological rehabilitation.
- At the same time, we take your personal life situation and everyday demands into account.
Physiotherapy treatment approaches
Coordination and balance training
Targeted training of coordination and balance can help to improve confidence in movement and avoid falls.
Examples are:
- sensorimotor training
- balance exercises
- gait training
Strength training and functional training
Well-trained muscles improve stability, resilience and movement control.
Therapy can include:
- targeted strength training of the trunk and leg muscles
- functional exercises for everyday life
- progressively increased loading
Posture training
Good posture supports movement efficiency and resilience.
Possible content includes:
- analysis of postural habits
- training of trunk stability
- mobilisation and stretching of shortened muscle groups
Relaxation and breathing techniques
For some people, stress can be a possible seizure trigger.
Relaxation and breathing exercises can help to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.
Complementary measures
Besides physiotherapy, other measures can be helpful.
Regular exercise
Moderate physical activity can:
- improve general fitness
- increase well-being
- raise resilience in everyday life
Suitable activities can be, for example, walks, cycling or light strength training.
Stress management
Strategies for coping with stress can help to better control possible seizure triggers.
These include:
- relaxation exercises
- breathing techniques
- enough sleep
Safety strategies in everyday life
For people with epilepsy, certain safety measures can make sense, for example:
- making the home environment safe
- training fall-safe movement sequences
- educating family members on how to deal with seizures
Physiotherapy for epilepsy in Zürich, Thalwil and Zollikon
In our practice, we support people with epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Our focus is on:
- improving confidence in movement
- promoting strength, coordination and resilience
- reducing fall risks
- supporting an active and independent everyday life
Therapy is always individually adapted to your situation.
Our goal at KINEO Physiotherapy is to support you with evidence-based, patient-centred and structured therapy in improving your physical performance and quality of life. Book your appointment now!
