Breaking the Misconceptions & Myths of Epilepsy

A neurological illness, Epilepsy is characterised by bouts of brain malfunction that can affect a person’s physical appearance and behaviour in a variety of ways. Anyone of any age can succumb to Epilepsy. The severity of the condition can range from moderate to severe, incapacitating to life-threatening. Today there are many myths of Epilepsy on the internet.

Although several brain conditions, including head trauma, brain tumours, brain abnormalities, infections, strokes, and systemic diseases can result in Epilepsy, the majority of instances have no known cause; and the condition is now mostly thought to be hereditary.

More often than not, the social  associated with Epilepsy or how people respond to someone who suffers from it is a significant issue. Furthermore, there are many widespread myths of Epilepsy that need to be dispelled in our society.

Myths of Epilepsy that you Should Not Believe

Convulsions are always violent during seizures

Your mental image of a person having a seizure can be one of them rolling around on the floor, frothing at the mouth, and losing consciousness. In actuality, this is among the biggest myths of Epilepsy, the majority of seizures are considerably more subtly expressed. Focal seizures, which begin in a specific location of the brain, occur in around 60% of epileptics. As a result, the signs and symptoms of these seizures are typically less severe.

The temporal lobe, a region of the brain that manages emotions and short-term memory, is the site of the majority of focal seizures. Auras, strange feelings, or movements during the early stages of a seizure are frequently connected to these seizures and can serve as early warning signs of a more catastrophic seizure to come.

During an epileptic episode, people may swallow their tongue

You may relax knowing that swallowing your tongue is not physiologically conceivable; it’s just one of the myths of Epilepsy. According to experts, the tongue is a sizable muscle that is firmly attached to the throat and the floor of the mouth by sizable ligaments. However, if you mistakenly bite your tongue while having a seizure, you might suffer an injury. Your airway may get blocked by swelling as a result of this. Anything you put in your mouth at this point might make breathing much more difficult.

For this reason, you should never put a spoon, finger, or any other foreign item into the mouth of someone who is having a seizure. If you do, you might completely block their airway and cause death.

Is Epilepsy a contagious disease?

The answer is no. Simply said, Epilepsy cannot be contracted by another person. Epilepsy cannot be spread. Though various underlying diseases can cause Epilepsy, in roughly 50% of cases throughout the world the disease’s origin is still unknown. These categories include structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immunological, and unknown causes of Epilepsy.

A lifestyle change won’t help prevent seizures

It is just another myth of Epilepsy. There are several things you can do every day to help. You may take some preventative measures since intense, flashing lights can also cause seizures. When indoors, utilise as much natural light as you can. When using a computer, use a screen filter and take regular breaks from the monitor. Wear polarised or tinted glasses when outside.

An often reported seizure cause is stress. By maintaining a healthy routine, such as exercising frequently, engaging in yoga, Pilates, or tai chi, or practising relaxation and regulated breathing methods, you may attempt to reduce stress and anxiety.

A crippling condition is an Epilepsy

This particular myth of Epilepsy is half true. Some professions—like piloting an aircraft—and other sports—like scuba diving—are off-limits to those with Epilepsy. However, the majority of Epilepsy sufferers have fulfilling lives.

People with well-controlled Epilepsy can work in nearly any field and have normal lives at home, at work, and in their social circles. Several drugs may be used to treat Epilepsy right now, and many of them have side effects profiles that are extremely manageable. A safety plan is typically not necessary if your antiepileptic medications manage your seizures. However, if you continue to be at risk for seizures, your employer must offer accommodations.

Epilepsy: Is it a mental condition?

It is possible to confuse Epilepsy and seizures for mental disorders occasionally. A person experiencing a seizure, for instance, can make funny noises, utter strange phrases, or act strangely. But some epileptics can also have mental health issues including anxiety and/or sadness, just like everyone else.

Are Hospital Visits Necessary for those who Experience Seizures?

Hospitalization is not always necessary for seizures. It is a deceitful myth of Epilepsy. After a seizure, the individual will often merely need some time to relax and recuperate, which they may be able to do at their place of employment, place of study, or place of residence. Calling an ambulance is recommended if you don’t know the person and see them suffering a seizure.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that your doctor is the first person to go to for trustworthy information. Please contact your neurologist for cracking the myths of Epilepsy. PSRI Hospital is the place to go if you need the best specialists for your requirements. The top neurologists are available there, and they will easily assist you with your requirements.