As per the WHO, epilepsy is a prominent chronic brain disorder, affecting nearly 50 million[1] people across the globe. Another key fact is that the right diagnosis and treatment can help up to 70% of epilepsy patients live free from seizures.
In the Indian context, approximately 12 million[2] people with epilepsy are estimated to live in India, which means almost 1/6 of the global burden.
A major reason that prevents people from seeking medical care is the myths, taboos, and social stigma surrounding the disease. That makes it ultimately necessary to separate truth from mistaken notions about this neurological disorder.
Understanding epilepsy facts can help create an informed society that thinks logically and supports epilepsy patients. It will allow more people to get timely epilepsy treatment and lead a good life.
| A fact from the WHO: In many parts of the world, epilepsy patients and their families have to face social stigma and discrimination. |
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain condition associated with recurring seizures that occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures are short episodes of involuntary movement in a part of the body or the whole body. Seizures may involve changes in awareness, sensations, movements, or behaviour.
The symptoms and intensity of epilepsy seizures can vary hugely from patient to patient. Some patients may just experience short staring spells. Others may go through more severe symptoms with clear episodes wherein they lose consciousness and experience jerky movements in their limbs or even lose control of bladder or bowel function.
This unpredictable nature of seizures in epilepsy is a big reason why people tend to misunderstand it.
| A fact from the WHO: Epilepsy is a chronic and non-communicable brain condition that can affect anybody, irrespective of age. |
# 1 Myth: Epilepsy is a Mental Disease
Fact: No. Epilepsy is a neurological condition and not to be confused with a mental disease.
Epilepsy is primarily managed by neurologists, while mental health support may be needed if conditions like anxiety or depression occur. It is a result of abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Yes, sometimes, those dealing with epilepsy may also suffer from anxiety and depression. But these are different from epilepsy and not related.
| A fact from the WHO: Low- and middle-income countries account for almost 80% of epilepsy cases. |
#2 Myth: Epilepsy Patients Cannot Have a Normal Life
Fact: With proper medical care, most PWE (people with epilepsy) can lead normal lives.
Many individuals with epilepsy are able to achieve high control over seizures. The right treatment and regular follow-ups, along with lifestyle adjustments, make this possible. They can study, build a career, engage in their hobbies, have a family, and lead an active, productive, and independent life.
| A fact from the WHO: 3 out of 4 epilepsy patients in low-income countries do not get the medical care they require. |
#3 Myth: Something Must be Put in the Patient’s Mouth During a Seizure
Fact: This is the most hazardous misconception.
Do not ever put anything in the mouth of a person experiencing a seizure. It could result in injuries, choking, and broken teeth. Instead, you should just stay by their side and focus on their safety until the seizure is over.
| A fact from the WHO: The frequency of seizures in patients may vary. Some may have less than one seizure a year, while others may have several seizures every day. |
#4 Myth: Seizure Means Convulsions
Fact: Not all patients experience jerky movements during seizures.
Some patients may have seizures in the form of short staring spells, unusual sensations, sudden confusion, or temporary loss of awareness. In fact, when symptoms are so subtle, seizures may go unnoticed.
| A fact from the WHO: Epilepsy has written records dating back to 4000 BCE, making it one of the world’s oldest known diseases. |
#5 Myth: Epilepsy Can Spread by Touch
Fact: Epilepsy is not contagious.
You cannot contract epilepsy through touch, being close to someone experiencing a seizure, or sharing food. Epilepsy cannot be spread from one person to another.
| A fact from the WHO: Up to 10% of people around the world experience a seizure during their lifetime. 1 seizure does not mean epilepsy. Epilepsy is experiencing two or more unprovoked seizures. |
#6 Myth: Epilepsy Occurs Only in Children
Fact: Epilepsy is not age-related.
Anyone can develop epilepsy at any age. While some forms of the condition often occur in childhood, epilepsy may also affect teenagers, adults, and the elderly. The underlying reasons for epilepsy in adults include head trauma, brain infection, brain tumour, or stroke, and structural abnormalities in the brain.
| A fact from the WHO: Nearly 5 million new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed each year across the world. |
#7 Myth: Epilepsy Patients Cannot Take Part in Sports
Fact: PWE are generally encouraged to be more physically active.
Regular physical activity can help control stress and enhance overall health and general well-being. Yes, they may need to follow some specific precautions to participate in high-risk activities. But a good number of epilepsy patients safely engage in exercise, fitness programs, and sports.
| A fact from the WHO: The cause of epilepsy remains unknown in approximately 50% of cases worldwide. |
#8 Myth: Epilepsy is Untreatable
Fact: Modern medicine has many effective options to manage epilepsy.
Anti-seizure medications have been seen to be successful in controlling seizures in many patients. Other patients may benefit significantly from advanced treatments like specialised diets, neurostimulation devices, and epilepsy surgery.
| A fact from the WHO: Antiseizure medicine may be discontinued if there are no seizures for 2 years, while also considering relevant medical, personal, and social aspects. |
The Cost of Stigma
Epilepsy myths in the psyche of society often result in discrimination, social isolation, and anxiety. Some patients may hide their condition for fear of being judged or misunderstood, and losing relationships.
Awareness plays a crucial role in overcoming stigma and encouraging societies to take the right action when they spot anybody suffering a seizure.
How to Help Someone Experiencing a Seizure
You do not need to be a medical expert to support and help an epilepsy patient. Here is what you can do when you notice somebody having a seizure:
- Stay calm
- Do not restrain the person’s movements unless required for safety.
- Move all sharp and hard objects away from the patient
- Note the duration of the seizure
- Do not put anything in their mouth
- Help them lie down on the ground
- Do not spread any misinformation or myths
- Support them emotionally and treat them with respect
- Motivate them to seek medical care
Conclusion
Epilepsy is a medical disorder and not a mental disease, a curse, a reason to ostracise somebody, or doubt their capabilities.
Societal education and awareness can help clear myths and replace them with understanding and support. It will also encourage people with epilepsy and their families to seek medical intervention.
Knowledge is power, and attitude is everything. If you or a loved one is dealing with epilepsy, do not avoid or delay medical treatment.
Seek advanced epilepsy care at Sohana Hospital, a leading super-speciality hospital with a trusted team of the best neurologists in Mohali, Chandigarh. Timely diagnosis and personalised treatment can help patients lead an improved quality of life.
Sohana Hospital – Dedicated to the cause of enabling patients to live with dignity
Reference Source:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy#:~:text=Around%2050%20million%20people%20worldwide%20have%20epilepsy%2C%20making%20it%20one%20of%20the%20most%20common%20neurological%20diseases%20globally.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4564458/#:~:text=nearly%2012%20million%20PWE%20are%20expected%20to%20reside%20in%20India%3B%20which%20contributes%20to%20nearly%20one%2Dsixth%20of%20the%20global%20burden.