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Epilepsy at altitudes

Last Updated:
29 Jul 2009
Review Due Date:
29 Jan 2010
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Abseiling

There is a theoretical risk that being at high altitudes (above 3,500 metres/11,666 feet) can cause fluid retention. For someone with epilepsy, fluid retention could trigger seizures. However, the risk of this happening is considered to be very small.

 

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Comments

I'd just like to mention that I have been skydiving for 8 years and have made 650 jumps and it has never affected my epilepsy (ie made me more likely to have a grand mal or petit mal seizure).
I couldn't comment on more prolonged exposure however such as working as a pilot.

Submitted by Tina on 10 November, 2008 - 20:05.

Although I have no had an attack for many years I countinue to take medication for my epilepsy.

In 2004 I went treking to Nepal and reached a height of 4600 metres. Any increase in altitude means a decrease in the amount of oxygen available (approx 65% of the amount of oxygen at 3500 metres compared to Sea Level for example) This means that your body works much harder; I recorded a heart beat of over 100 beats per minute lieing in a tent at 3800 metres! Because of this hyervenataltion occurs and this in turn can increases the likelihood of anyone (not just an epileptic) of having an epileptic attack.

A drug that is used to treat epilepsy (Diamox) can also be taken to alleviate the headaches and nausea associated with altitude sickness and works very well. It also helps you to acclimatise more quickly. Whether it would ward off an attack I don't know. I found that by increasing my normal medication (Epilim) I felt better as my body due to the exertion was burning off the medication.

If planning to trek abroad make sure that you go with a reputable company and make sure that their plans do not include ascending more than 500 metres a day when at altitude as faster than this can cause Accute Mountain Sickness. Let the company know all of your medical details, medication etc and take more medication than you need incase your return home is dealyed due to bad weather or flight cancellation.

If in any doubt contact the British Mountaineering Council for advise.

Don't let your epilepsy put you off - travelling in the moutains is a marvellous experience!!!

Submitted by Craig Bolton on 16 March, 2009 - 12:10.