Epilepsy: Myths & Facts

Posted by Shiv saxena on February 2nd, 2021

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person experiences repeated seizures. A seizure basically occurs due to a temporary change in the electrical functioning of the brain that causes changes in the normal brain activities. The main epilepsy symptoms are recurrent seizures. Other epilepsy symptoms may even include some neurological problems as well. But having a single seizure does not mean that someone has epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis. Basically a person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have at least two unprovoked seizures that are not caused by some known medical conditions.

Seizures are classified into two groups: generalised seizures and focal seizures. Generalised seizures affect both the sides of the brain. Focal seizures affect only one part of the brain. Any person who experiences epilepsy symptoms must see a doctor as soon as possible. Epilepsy is a disease of the brain that affects people of all ages but it is more common in older people. With all the information, there are also some myths about epilepsy. In this article, we will talk about some myths and facts about epilepsy.

Here is a list of some common myths and facts about epilepsy:

Myth 1. Epilepsy is infectious:

Fact: Epilepsy is not infectious. A person cannot catch epilepsy from another person. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and it can never be spread by coming into contact with other people who have seizures. It is a well known fact that epilepsy is not an infectious disease but the myth that it is infectious never goes away. If a person experiences certain epilepsy symptoms such as seizures, fainting, staring spells, and so on then he must consider visiting a doctor.

Myth 2. If you have a seizure, you have epilepsy:

Fact: A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if he or she experiences repeated seizures. But that does not mean that if you have a seizure, you have epilepsy. Seizures can also occur because of other medical conditions such as high fever, sleep deprivation, head damage, alcohol withdrawal, low blood sugar, etc. Epilepsy symptoms are having recurrent seizures are at least two unprovoked seizures.

Myth 3. People can swallow their tongue during a seizure:

Fact: A person having a seizure may swallow his or her own tongue but the reality is that it is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. No one can ever swallow their tongue. As soon as you notice any epilepsy symptoms, make sure that you visit a doctor.

Myth 4. People with epilepsy are mentally ill:

Fact: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain but if a person has epilepsy then it does not mean they are mentally ill or have any intellectual disabilities. Epilepsy symptoms can result in functional problems not mental.

Myth 5. Epilepsy can't be cured:

Fact: Epilepsy affects people in different ways. With medication, surgeries, and other treatments, epilepsy can be treated successfully. As soon as one notices the epilepsy symptoms, they must consider visiting a doctor. With proper treatment from the initial stage, epilepsy can be cured.