Diving with seizure disorder

[RumBum]

Personally, I would forgo any more dives at least until you get the condition under control (a year since your last seizure)

I thought rule of thumb was 6 months seizure-free? Isn't that when epileptics are medically released to drive/ operate machinery again? (not that lots of epileptics don't drive anyway)


:sofa:
<the faint of heart may not care to continue reading>
I know that this is not the PC thing to say, but if I had a history of seizures but was now under control, I would still dive. I do understand that it creates a risk to a potential rescuers... but everyone learns in Rescue the #1 rule is do not kill yourself trying to save another diver.
I know that there are millions of people who get on the road and drive their cars with dementia, seizure disorder, prescription painkillers, and morphine pumps who should not be driving and those people endanger all other drivers and pedestrians near them. Most people are on the road at least a couple hours a day and yet you and I are still alive! Yet we get so worked up about the danger of diving! Life is dangerous, we just live the most productive life we can and try to keep risks to a reasonable limit.
As I said above, I would wait until my disorder was under control and I would be religious about medications. But I would not give up something I love. If you are scared by my attitude, I live in Austin, Texas and you can make a point to never dive with me. I just felt I had to say this.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Rum Bum,

I thought rule of thumb was 6 months seizure-free? Isn't that when epileptics are medically released to drive/ operate machinery again?

Each state makes its own rules on return to driving after a seizure and the range as I understand it is from 3 months to a year seizure free.

As can be seen in the DAN and UKSDMC links in my prior post, the rule of thumb for diving is five years seizure free and off medication. Where the seizures were exclusively nocturnal, this can be reduced to three years.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[DandyDon]

I was surprised that anyone suggested you could dive safely, Jess - especially after DocVikingo's first post. A seizure even standing in shallow water could be life threatening, and "stress, lack of sleep" certainly both happen on dives. Then, too - the meds involve could also be a factor.

Very best wishes, but I think the Doc made it clear: No-Way for five years at least. And honestly, if you did dive, and told me about the condition - I wouldn't get on the boat. Indeed, I have declined to board one because of a diver with a recent history of seizures.

Very best wishes to ya'!

 

[Tagerisatroll]

It&#8217;s not a good idea to dive if you&#8217;re prone to seizure because you have the same dangers as O2 toxicity only it can be brought on by you own physiology, not your air mix.

1. When your in a seizure your holding your breath so even if you buddy sees it he has to wait for it to stop before you can be brought to the surface or you risk air embolisms.

2. Right after coming out of the seizure genrally you'll go in it a relaxed state and have very high chance of aspirating your regulator, and drowning.

So if your going to risk diving with a seizure condition, I would suggest getting a properly fitted full face mask and respirator to give your self a fighting chance of recovering once it passes and if your type of seizure don't pass without third party intervention or leaves you incapacitated for a long period of time, well it might be time to hang the wetsuit up. Because the genral rule of thumb is a seizure at depth is almost always fatal. Its just not a real good idea, but if your going to do it defently get a full face mask, that is properly fitted.

Wade

 

[Rec2Tek]

Just so you don't get any funny ideas from these people suggesting you dive....here it is in plain english if you seize U/W you will be severely injured and your chance of dying is very very good.

Hope this helps.

 

[Medic of One]

I thought rule of thumb was 6 months seizure-free? Isn't that when epileptics are medically released to drive/ operate machinery again? (not that lots of epileptics don't drive anyway)

Local law requires a year, and I tend to err on the side of caution with this one after considering the risk. While I don't think she ehould ever dive again, if she is going to do so then she needs to take every precaution that she can think of. The problem with seizure meds though is that just like any other drug, the body can build certain tollerances and even when you've been seizure free, the dose that was fine a year ago may no longer do the job after a while. Unfortunately the biggest indicator that meds need to be readjusted is an onset of the sezure activity. No matter what, diving is a big risk. So once again, my unqualified medical oppinion is: Don't risk it

 

[DocVikingo]

Hey Don, Wade, Rec2Tek and all you other naysayers,

You mean just because a seizure while on recreational scuba is expected to be fatal, it's not safe?

You mean just because DAN and UKSDMC say no consideration of scuba until five years seizure-free and off medication, and PADI, NAUI and other training agencies very likely will not certify you, it's not safe?

You mean just because the increased partial pressures of 02 that are unavoidable in scuba are known to lower seizure thresholds, it's not safe?

You mean just because side effects common to anticonvulsants include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbances, difficulty concentrating and coordination problems, it's not safe?

You mean even after you're 6 months seizure-free (when a meaningful relapse rate can remain), are diving in less than 20' of water (when you can drown in inches), have informed your buddy (who likely couldn't safely rescue a convulsing/unconscious diver) and made a personal decision (when few decisions are ever truly personal) to dive, it's still not safe?

But that's taking away something that's important. Like a seizure underwater can take a diver away from a spouse, children, parents and others who love them. Like attempting a rescue or recovery can forever take a responder away from friends, family and others who care about them. Like a diver death can take away from the reputation of a dive op. Like a diver mishap can take away from the enjoyment of all others on the trip.

Why of all the nerve.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[DandyDon]

Like I said, Doc - I was surprised that anyone suggested that safe diving was possible. This aspect is a new one to me, tho...

You mean just because the increased partial pressures of 02 that are unavoidable in scuba are known to lower seizure thresholds, it's not safe?

The full face mask and a number of other extras could make it possible in a way - we're doing it for Matt - with a very strong persona support staff, and he's been on a respirator for years, but generally: No Way!

 

[Fort Collins Bob]

Hey Don, Wade, Rec2Tek and all you other naysayers,

You mean just because a seizure while on recreational scuba is expected to be fatal, it's not safe?

You mean just because DAN and UKSDMC say no consideration of scuba until five years seizure-free and off medication, and PADI, NAUI and other training agencies very likely will not certify you, it's not safe?

You mean just because the increased partial pressures of 02 that are unavoidable in scuba are known to lower seizure thresholds, it's not safe?

You mean just because side effects common to anticonvulsants include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbances, difficulty concentrating and coordination problems, it's not safe?

You mean even after you're 6 months seizure-free (when a meaningful relapse rate can remain), are diving in less than 20' of water (when you can drown in inches), have informed your buddy (who likely couldn't safely rescue a convulsing/unconscious diver) and made a personal decision (when few decisions are ever truly personal) to dive, it's still not safe?

But that's taking away something that's important. Like a seizure underwater can take a diver away from a spouse, children, parents and others who love them. Like attempting a rescue or recovery can forever take a responder away from friends, family and others who care about them. Like a diver death can take away from the reputation of a dive op. Like a diver mishap can take away from the enjoyment of all others on the trip.

Why of all the nerve.

Regards,

DocVikingo

Yep, Thanks doc for putting this into perspective...

You mean like having a rescuer having to live with the memory of your death
or injury on their minds for the rest of their lives..

bob

 

[DocVikingo]

Amen, Brother Bob.

Regards,

DocVikingo