Contents:
- Medical Video: RAMADAN Healthy Meal Guide & Recipes
- Can people with epilepsy fast?
- Results of research on epilepsy and Ramadan fasting
- Why is fasting at risk for people with epilepsy?
- Fasting guide for people with epilepsy
Medical Video: RAMADAN Healthy Meal Guide & Recipes
For people with epilepsy, Ramadan can offer its own challenges. Because the various changes in diet and sleep that take place while you are fasting may increase the risk of seizures. However, can a person with epilepsy actually fast during Ramadan? If possible, how can you fast fasting safely? Read on the explanation below.
Can people with epilepsy fast?
Until now, scientific research that discusses the effects of fasting in Ramadan for people with epilepsy is still very limited. However, if collected from various case studies and research, basically fasting can indeed increase the risk of an adult with epilepsy experiencing seizures. However, this all goes back to the different body conditions of each person and also the type of treatment that is being lived while fasting.
So, you are strongly advised to consult with your neurologist before undergoing fasting. Your doctor may allow you to fast with certain conditions, such as having to sleep enough or change your medication schedule.
Results of research on epilepsy and Ramadan fasting
A study in the 2015 Neurology journal noted that 46.7 percent of people with epilepsy experience more episodes of seizures during Ramadan compared to a month before and after Ramadan. This risk is increasing when you are undergoing polytherapy treatment. You who are on monotherapy also remain vulnerable, but the chances of seizures are smaller. This study also proves that as many as 69.4 percent of people who change their schedule of taking medication while fasting are more prone to episodes of seizures during fasting.
The results of similar studies were also previously reported by a team of experts from Turkey. The study, published in the 2008 Seizure journal, saw that changes in the schedule of taking medication would increase the risk of epileptic seizures during fasting. However, unlike the 2015 study, in this study the types of monotherapy and polytherapy treatment did not affect the risk of seizures.
Why is fasting at risk for people with epilepsy?
Although the experts have not agreed on whether an person with epilepsy can fast, these are things that seem to increase your risk of experiencing seizures in the fasting month.
- Changes in the pattern of taking medication
- Changes in sleep patterns, including lack of sleep due to having to sahur
- Fatigue and stress
- Don't eat and drink for hours
Fasting guide for people with epilepsy
If after considering the various risks above and consulting with a doctor you still want to run fast, pay attention to safe fasting guidelines for people with epilepsy below.
- Don't miss the dosage of medication. Keep abreast of the schedule for taking new medications that have been adjusted by your doctor. If forgetfulness, drink immediately when you remember.
- Get enough sleep every day. Because you have to get up early for sahur, try to sleep faster. Sleep deprivation can interfere with brain activity and trigger epileptic seizures.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. By eating healthy foods nutritious at dawn and breaking fast, you can prevent various diseases that can make you more vulnerable to seizures.
- Avoid causes of stress and excessive physical activity. These two things can trigger electrical surges in the brain and cause epileptic seizures.
