Even though medical progress has come a long way, the myths, misconceptions, and social stigma attached to Epilepsy is a major challenge.
The common misconceptions in Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder that you need to know:
MYTH #1: Epilepsy is contagious
You simply cannot catch epilepsy from another person just like a common cold.
MYTH #2: You can swallow your tongue during a Seizure
It’s impossible to swallow your tongue. In fact, you should never force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure. Most people recover within a minute.
MYTH #3: People with Epilepsy are disabled and can’t work
Persons with epilepsy have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us. Some persons have severe seizures and cannot work; others are highly successful in challenging careers. People with seizure disorders are found in every sphere of life and at all levels of business, government, the arts, and the professions.
MYTH #4: People with Epilepsy look different
Unless someone with epilepsy is actually having a seizure there is no way that his or her condition can be detected.
MYTH #5: Epilepsy is a form of mental illness
It is not a mental illness. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two unprovoked seizures. A person is also said to have epilepsy with a single unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more seizures that were not caused by a reversible medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or low blood sugar or fluctuations in electrolytes (sodium, calcium) in the blood. With today’s medication, epilepsy is largely a solvable problem.
MYTH #6: Epilepsy a very rare disorder
No. Epilepsy is not a very rare disorder. It affects approximately about 50 million people worldwide. In India, epilepsy has been identified as a public health problem. It is estimated that in India (with a population of more than 1 billion), there are 6 – 10 million people with epilepsy.
MYTH #7: Children with Epilepsy are dull
Except for children who are born with obvious mental subnormality, a vast majority of children with epilepsy have normal intelligence and should be encouraged by the physicians) parents and teachers to attend school and complete their education.
MYTH #8: Epilepsy is a curse of God
No. It is unfortunate that these questions are being asked even today. Epilepsy is a medical problem of the brain and can affect anyone.
MYTH #9: Use of metal, key, etc., helps in terminating an Epileptic attack
No. Some people think that an epileptic attack can be terminated by making the person smell dirty shoes, or by placing a metal key in the person’s hand. These are false beliefs. Relatives, friends & teachers of people with epilepsy should be informed of the measures to be taken during an attack of seizure.
MYTH #10: Epilepsy medications are ineffective
No. Epilepsy medicines are very essential for the control of epileptic attacks and should not be neglected and the medications advised by your physicians should be taken on a regular basis. Nearly about 80% of the cases can be controlled with either a single or two medications.
MYTH #11: Epilepsy is a hindrance in leading a successful life
No. People with epilepsy can live a happy and successful life. With the advent of newer medicines, availability of medical care, and increased awareness of the condition, it has become possible for a person with epilepsy to lead a good life. There are many famous poets, writers, and sportsmen with epilepsy who have excelled in their respective fields. A positive approach towards the problems in life is the key to success. Our negative outlook towards the disease should be challenged and this will certainly help people lead a normal and happy life.
Dr. Gopal Krishna Dash, Consultant – Neurology | Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bommasandra