4 Myths about Epilepsy Busted

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of our brain. Day-to-day activities get disrupted resulting in seizures, periods of unusual behaviour, sensations, and a loss of awareness. It can develop in anyone regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity and is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world.

The seizure symptoms span over a large scale and vary from person to person. They may include involuntary continuous twitching of arms or legs or staring blankly for a while during a seizure. Though it is important to point out that a single episode of a seizure does not mean that you have epilepsy.

Myths about Epilepsy

Studies on epilepsy have shown that there is a lack of proper communication between patients, doctors, and society in general. Doctors at CARE Hospitals, one of the best hospitals for epilepsy in Hyderabad, say that this has resulted in a lot of common misconceptions about epilepsy. To help deal with these epilepsy myths and misbeliefs, we bring you certain facts that you should be aware of.

• Myth: You convulse during an epileptic attack

Fact: A person is not always unconscious during a seizure. There are different kinds of seizures that affect every individual in a different manner. It is also not necessary that a seizure would result in the person jerking convulsively.

• Myth: Everyone suffering from epilepsy has a seizure due to flashing lights

Fact: Having a seizure due to flashing lights happens when a person suffers from photosensitive epilepsy. 3% of epileptic people suffer from this disease. It is more common in children and young people. What triggers this is a lack of sleep, alcohol and stress. It is rarely diagnosed in people above the age of 20.

• Myth: You can control a person during a convulsive seizure

Fact: It is not advisable to hold a person down during a convulsive seizure and should be avoided at all costs. It is essential to know what works in which situation so that you can act quickly and help the person in need.

• Myth: The side effects of seizures are tiredness and confusion

Fact: These are just the physical implications of a seizure. There is an internal struggle that a person goes through because of a seizure. It could result in problems with sleep or memory or impact their mental life.

There are many more such misconceptions related to epilepsy and myths about seizures that need to be cleared through education and knowledge about this disease. Spreading awareness about the condition, its effects and symptoms, and the correct ways to deal with a patient is important for helping those who have to undergo unprovoked seizures.