10 Myths and Misconceptions About Epilepsy
Despite being one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about epilepsy that people still believe even to this day. Epilepsy is a very broad term. It’s not quite known what causes it. It can be acquired or it can be congenital. Before I tell you about the flimflam I will tell you what a seizure is.
Seizures are characterized by abrupt and transient episodes of electrical impulses in the brain, which modify or disturb the transmission of messages among brain cells. These sudden surges of electrical activity can lead to involuntary alterations in bodily movement or function, perception, demeanor, or consciousness. With that being said here is a list of
Myth: You can swallow your tongue during a seizure
Fact: This one makes no sense whatsoever though some people continue to believe it. Your tongue is attached to the floor of your mouth by a thin piece of skin called the lingual frenulum.
Myth: To Prevent Choking Put Something In the Mouth
Fact: If someone is having a seizure NEVER put anything in their mouth. Putting something in their mouth will cause more harm than good. Instead, roll them over on their side and put something soft under their head until the seizure stops and they regain consciousness.
Myth: You Should Restrain Them
Fact: Restraining them can cause serious injuries such as bone fractures, joint dislocations, or muscular injuries. Never try to hold a person down when they’re having a seizure
Myth: Strobe Lights and Video Games Trigger Seizures
Fact: Photosensitive triggers are a very rare occurrence. It only occurs in about 3% of people with epilepsy. It doesn’t trigger mine. I just find strobe lights to be annoying.
Myth: All seizures are convulsive
Fact: Seizures can present themselves in various ways. There are absent seizures, where a person looks like they’re staring off into space, partial seizures which are usually something like a jerk of the arm, rapid uncontrolled blinking, and tonic-clonic or grand mal which is the kind most think of when they think of seizures.
Myth: If you have a seizure you are epileptic
Fact: Many things can trigger seizures. Seizures can occur in concussions, stress, hyperthermia, high fever, and other medical conditions. It’s considered epilepsy when the seizures are reoccurring.
Myth: People with epilepsy are mentally ill and/or intellectually disabled.
Fact: Epilepsy, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities are all brain-related conditions. However, it is important to note that having epilepsy does not necessarily indicate the presence of an intellectual disability or a mental illness. The impact of seizure activity on a person's ability to learn is directly linked to the frequency and intensity of their seizures. Nonetheless, individuals with epilepsy generally possess the same level of intelligence as those without the condition.
Myth: Epilepsy is a disability that prevents people from working.
Fact: Most people with epilepsy are not disabled and can work many fulfilling jobs. Everyone is different.
Myth: There are no working treatments for epilepsy
Fact: Approximately 66% of individuals diagnosed with epilepsy have the potential to effectively manage their seizures by utilizing medication of appropriate type and dosage. However, for the remaining 33% of patients, there are alternative treatment approaches that can be combined with medication to enhance their therapeutic outcomes. These supplementary treatment options encompass procedures such as brain surgery, employing nerve stimulation through implanted electrical devices, or adopting a specialized dietary regimen.
Myth: Epilepsy can’t be deadly
Epilepsy is a serious condition with potentially fatal outcomes. Seizures can lead to death, with an estimated annual death toll in the United States ranging from 22,000 to 42,000 cases. People with epilepsy are more likely to die suddenly. Public awareness, education, and medical intervention are urgently needed to reduce the risk of mortality. Society must prioritize resources, research, and preventive measures to support those with epilepsy and prevent further loss of lives.