Epilepsy

[bluem00n0]

Hia

I was diagnosed with Epilepsy when i was 14 years old - I am now 41.

I have been seizure free for 12 years and take epilim which controls the condition.

Unfortunately it would appear that it is not safe for me to Scuba Dive but could you please tell me if it is safe for me to go snorkelling?

I'm really just interested in swimming around in relatively shallow water (with my wife) so that I can check out the fish and Coral as I am a keem Marine enthusiast.

Many thanks

Scott

[Nigel Hewitt]

I was diagnosed with Epilepsy when i was 14 years old - I am now 41.
I have been seizure free for 12 years and take epilim which controls the condition.
Unfortunately it would appear that it is not safe for me to Scuba Dive but could you please tell me if it is safe for me to go snorkelling?If you really want to try see a diving doctor (http://www.bsac.org/medical/medrefs.htm). A phone call might be enough. However a friend of mine is in much your condition and they still won't let him drive so I'm pretty sure it's a no-no.

Sorry an' all.

[Adrian Kelland]

Are you allowed to drive Scott? If so, and if it were me, I would snorkel. The only person at risk is probably yourself. If you're driving then your doctors probably see you as a good risk.

As ever though, ask the docs for their advice.

Best of luck,

Adrian

[MSutcliffe]

http://www.uksdmc.co.uk/standards/Standards- epilepsy.htm

As ever, as I understand it, these things are always up for discussion. it may be that, if you really, really, wanted to SCUBA dive, then after some discussion with a referee, they may consider signing you off for limited diving (shallow, no-deco), provided you use suitable equipment - a ful face mask, for example, to protect you in the event of an underwater convulsion (the convulsion won'tkill you, but drowning when you spit your reg out will). As ever, guidelines are just that, and a discussion should be had! You would also have to talk with your insurer(s).

Snorkelling is going to be similar - it's about you personally assessing risk. If you have a seizure whilst underwater, even just snorkelling, then this is likely to be a terminal event. You need to discuss with an expert the pro's/cons of doing so.

[bluem00n0]

Thanks for the response from you all.

Yes I drive there is no problem there - like I say my epilepsy is controlled and is really a historical fact.

I've given up on the notion of diving as it just doesn't sound safe but I would still like the idea of snorkelling as I feel that as long as I am with someone the chances of me having a seizure are no greater than walking across the road, having a shower etc.

Who are the experts? I went to see a Doctor yesterday and he didn't know!

Cheers

Scott

PS cheers but the link above doesn't seem to work.

[Adrian Kelland]

Thanks for the response from you all.

Yes I drive there is no problem there - like I say my epilepsy is controlled and is really a historical fact.

I've given up on the notion of diving as it just doesn't sound safe but I would still like the idea of snorkelling as I feel that as long as I am with someone the chances of me having a seizure are no greater than walking across the road, having a shower etc.

Who are the experts? I went to see a Doctor yesterday and he didn't know!
Cheers

Scott There are links in a couple of posts, and also in the box near the top of the page Scott. Your average GP would have little idea on the diving aspects, but his knowledge of your history, plus a referees experience should be able to give you an appropriate answer.

Edit: Martins link does not like the space, but the ones at the top of the page - UKSDMC etc.

Adrian

[David Tombs]

Its not just fitting , do not forget the cautions needed with any central Nervous System acting drugs at depth. I suspect Narcosis would be a real problem.

[Scary Monster]

It has to be said that there is a lot in common between Snorkelling and swimming, especially if you don't plan to drift towards the free diving realms.

Do you swim? I'm kind of assuming you if your considering snorkelling. I have no idea what the official line would be but for 90% of the snorkelling I do, it's like swimming with more power and a better pair of goggles.