Spa Treatment

What are the conditions and limitations for patients with epilepsy seeking spa care?
Spa Treatment

Epilepsy is not among the conditions for which spa treatment is routinely indicated. However, under certain conditions, patients with epilepsy may still undergo spa stays for other medical reasons.

Uncontrolled epilepsy is considered a contraindication for spa rehabilitation care under Decree No. 2/2015, which sets the professional criteria and other conditions for providing spa rehabilitative care. For insured patients who experience fewer than one seizure per month, epilepsy is not considered a contraindication for spa therapy.

Even in cases of well-controlled epilepsy, eligibility always depends on the neurologist’s recommendation and medical opinion.

Exceptions where spa treatment may be considered, even in patients with poorly controlled epilepsy, include:

Indication group IV – Diseases of the nervous system

Spa treatment may be considered for patients with epilepsy who:

  • Experience frequent seizures that significantly affect their quality of life,

  • Have complex forms of epilepsy, such as pharmacoresistant epilepsy,

  • Are in the recovery period after major neurological procedures, including neurosurgical operations.

The goal of spa care in this group is to stabilize the neurological condition, support rehabilitation, and improve the patient’s overall quality of life.

Indication group XXVI – Psychosomatic and psychological disorders

These may accompany chronic illnesses such as epilepsy. This includes:

  • Patients whose epilepsy leads to secondary mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or psychosocial isolation.

Spa treatment in this case focuses on alleviating psychological difficulties and restoring psychosocial balance.

Eligibility Requirements:

Patients must obtain a recommendation from a specialist physician, who assesses the severity of the illness, its impact on functional abilities, and the necessity of spa therapy.

Scope of Spa Therapy:

For both indication groups, treatment may include physiotherapy, balneotherapy, psychological care, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle interventions.

Spa facilities generally require that patients with epilepsy be accompanied. For children, an accompanying person can be covered by health insurance; for adult patients, the companion’s stay is typically at their own expense.