Debunking Common Myths About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a well-known condition, but there are still plenty of myths and misunderstandings surrounding it. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions.
1. Anyone Who Has Seizures Has Epilepsy
Myth: All seizures mean a person has epilepsy.
Fact: While epilepsy is a common cause of seizures, it’s not the only one. Seizures can be caused by a range of conditions, such as low blood sugar or heart problems. A common type of non-epileptic seizure is dissociative seizures (also called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures or PNES), which are linked to mental health conditions and trauma. Interestingly, about 10% of people with PNES also have epileptic seizures.
2. People with Epilepsy Cannot Work
Myth: If you have epilepsy, you can’t work.
Fact: This is far from true. As Dr. Segil explains, most people with epilepsy can work as long as their seizures are controlled with medication. There are very few jobs, like pilots or truck drivers, where having a seizure disorder is disqualifying, but many people with epilepsy lead normal, productive careers.
3. Epilepsy is Contagious
Myth: Epilepsy is a contagious disease.
Fact: Epilepsy is not contagious. It can’t be passed from person to person. The cause of epilepsy is still unknown in about 50% of cases, but it’s generally linked to brain injuries, infections, genetic factors, or brain malformations, not something that could spread to others.
4. People with Epilepsy are Emotionally Unstable
Myth: People with epilepsy are emotionally unstable.
Fact: This is a harmful stereotype. Dr. Segil emphasizes that most people with epilepsy are emotionally stable. While it can be distressing to live with the uncertainty of seizures, most people manage their condition successfully and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Many people with epilepsy control their condition with just one medication, called monotherapy.
5. Epilepsy is a Mental Illness
Myth: Epilepsy is the same as a mental illness.
Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, not a mental illness. The Epilepsy Foundation explains that the vast majority of people with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problems, though those with severe or uncontrolled epilepsy may experience mental health challenges.
6. All People with Epilepsy Lose Consciousness and Convulse During Seizures
Myth: Every seizure involves convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Fact: Not all seizures are dramatic or involve shaking. There are over 40 different types of seizures, and they can look very different. Some seizures may cause someone to “zone out” for a few seconds or cause confusion, without any jerking movements.
7. If Someone is Having a Seizure, You Should Put Something in Their Mouth
Myth: You should put something in the mouth of someone having a seizure.
Fact: This is a dangerous myth. Trying to put something in someone’s mouth during a seizure can cause injury to their teeth or jaw. The best thing to do is to ensure they are in a safe place and stay with them until the seizure ends.
8. You Should Restrain Someone During a Seizure
Myth: It’s best to hold someone down while they’re having a seizure.
Fact: Restraining someone during a seizure is not helpful. Most seizures last only 30-90 seconds, and there’s no need to try to stop it. It’s more important to gently lay them on their side to keep their airway clear. Recording the seizure with a phone might also help doctors assess the situation.
9. Seizures Are Painful
Myth: Seizures are always painful.
Fact: Seizures themselves aren’t usually painful, but they can lead to injuries like biting the tongue, lips, or even breaking teeth. Some people may experience pain after a seizure due to muscle contractions or from falling during the seizure.
10. Strobe Lights Always Trigger Seizures in People with Epilepsy
Myth: Strobe lights trigger seizures in everyone with epilepsy.
Fact: Only people with photosensitive epilepsy are affected by strobe lights. This type of epilepsy is rare and affects about 5% of people with epilepsy. For these individuals, flashing lights or certain patterns can trigger a seizure, but it’s not something that happens to everyone with epilepsy.
11. People with Epilepsy Should Not Get Pregnant
Myth: If you have epilepsy, you can’t get pregnant.
Fact: It is absolutely possible for people with epilepsy to have healthy pregnancies. Dr. Segil mentions that pregnancies in women with epilepsy are considered high risk, so they need closer monitoring by both obstetricians and neurologists. While some anti-seizure medications aren’t safe during pregnancy, there are many medications that are safe for both the mother and the baby.
12. People with Epilepsy Can Swallow Their Tongue During a Seizure
Myth: Someone having a seizure can swallow their tongue.
Fact: This is physically impossible. During a seizure, the tongue might get bitten or injured, but it cannot be swallowed. The best way to help is to clear the area around the person to prevent injury.
13. No Treatments Help Epilepsy
Myth: There are no treatments for epilepsy.
Fact: There are several treatments that help control seizures. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are effective for many people, and around 7 in 10 people with epilepsy can stop having seizures once they find the right medication. For those who don’t respond to medication, there are other treatments, such as surgery or neurostimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can epilepsy be cured?
No, there is no cure for epilepsy, but it can often be managed successfully with medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.
Q2: Can people with epilepsy live normal lives?
Yes, many people with epilepsy lead normal, active lives, especially when their seizures are well-controlled with the right treatment.
Q3: What should you do if someone has a seizure?
Don’t restrain them or try to put anything in their mouth. Instead, gently guide them to the ground, protect their head, and stay with them until the seizure is over. Recording the seizure might help doctors adjust treatment later.
Q4: Can people with epilepsy get pregnant?
Yes, people with epilepsy can get pregnant. However, they should work closely with their doctors to manage their medication and ensure a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.
Q5: Are strobe lights always a trigger for seizures?
Only people with photosensitive epilepsy are triggered by strobe lights. Most people with epilepsy are not affected by this visual stimulus.
Conclusion
There are many myths surrounding epilepsy, but with the right knowledge and treatment, people with epilepsy can live healthy, fulfilling lives. It’s important to educate ourselves about the facts to help reduce stigma and improve care for those with the condition. If you or someone you know has epilepsy, consulting with a healthcare provider will ensure the best possible management of the condition.