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“Can I dive with epilepsy?” Here's an updated version of a piece that appeared in my "Dive Workshop" column in "Rodale's Scuba Diving" magazine: While medical nemeses such as diabetes and asthma have recently become subject to clearance to dive under conditions of proper control, seizure disorder has not fared as well. PADI, DAN and other major agencies continue to view adult epilepsy, controlled or not, as precluding diving. Certain types of early childhood convulsions can be medically excused, but it is mandatory that a diver with such a history have a completely normal neurological examination. Understandably, this rankles the well-controlled individual who desires to dive. There are a number of very effective anticonvulsants available, and with diligent use about 80% of those affected can be well-controlled, and many entirely seizure-free. And although state laws vary, some allow medical clearance for driving a motor vehicle after being seizure-free for just 3 months. Medically controlled individuals legitimately ask, "Why can't I dive?" In short, it's because a convulsion underwater can have dire consequences, and can occur even in those well-controlled on medication. With unconsciousness, loss of the second stage is almost certain, and water inhaled during an episode would likely result in drowning. Furthermore, the breath holding which can be occasioned by the tonic phases of a motor seizure increase the risk of pulmonary barotrauma during rescue attempts to bring the stricken diver to the surface. Finally, most seizure medication, to a greater or lesser extent, have sedative side effects and could impair mental sharpness and exacerbate nitrogen narcosis or cause it's appearance at shallower than expected depths. The outlook for clearance to dive is somewhat rosier if you go for British Sub-Aqua Club certification. For those with a history seizure disorder who are not currently on medication, BSAC suggested requirements for medical clearance to dive include five years free from a convulsion off medication, reduced to 3 years when the events were exclusively nocturnal. Clearly it is unwise to deny or minimize this condition
to yourself, or hide it from your instructor or the ops with which you
dive. If you have a seizure disorder and want to dive, or are already
diving without medical clearance, it is critical that you consult a physician
to obtain an appropriate medical work up and permission to dive. © Doc Vikingo 2005 Back
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