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The stigma surrounding epilepsy may lead to social isolation, discrimination in schools and workplaces, as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety
Epilepsy is diagnosed after a person experience at least two unprovoked seizures that are at least 24 hours apart
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures caused by intense electrical discharge from brain cells. In India, epilepsy affects around 12 million people, accounting for approximately one-sixth of the global epilepsy burden, making it a significant public health concern. Having a single seizure does not indicate epilepsy. The condition is diagnosed after a person experience at least two unprovoked seizures that are at least 24 hours apart. While unprovoked seizures don’t have a clear cause, it may be triggered by genetics, brain injury, infections, or developmental disorders.
Unfortunately, for centuries, numerous myths have been revolving around the condition, leading to fears and discrimination among people which impairs the people to seek timely medical intervention leading to the delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr VP Singh, Chairman, Neurosurgery, Neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram shares common myths around epilepsy, which must be debunked to strengthen awareness and normalise this condition.
Myth 1: Epilepsy occurs due to supernatural forces
Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder occurring due to excessive synchronous electrical activity of the brain cells. It is a disease like many other diseases and is easily controlled by routine medications. There is NO truth in the myth that epilepsy results from ghosts or supernatural forces taking over one’s body and mind.
Myth 2: Epilepsy is a mental illness
Fact: Epilepsy and seizures can be mistaken as mental illnesses. Some people may make unusual noises, use strange language, or behave abnormally during a seizure. Epilepsy does not signify mental disorder or intellectual disability in a person. In general, an epileptic person’s IQ is like that of a non-epileptic. However, the intensity and frequency of a person’s seizures may influence their ability to learn.
Myth 3: Epilepsy is contagious
Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological condition that cannot be contracted from another individual having seizures. It cannot be spread by personal touch, sharing utensils, or proximity. This myth adds to the social isolation of persons with epilepsy.
Myth 4: One should insert something in the mouth during seizure to avoid choking
Fact: Placing things in the mouth during a seizure is dangerous and can be harmful. If someone is having a seizure, never put anything in their mouth. Rather, gently turn them to one side, place a soft object beneath their head, and remain by their side until they wake up.
Myth 5: Epilepsy lasts throughout life
Fact: Epilepsy is not always a lifelong condition. While there is presently no cure for epilepsy, some childhood epilepsy syndromes can be ‘outgrown’, and anti-seizure medicine can help approximately 70% of people with epilepsy become seizure-free. Epilepsy is considered ‘resolved’ in some persons who have not had a seizure in ten years and have been able to stop taking medication for the last five years.
Myth 6: Seizures require hospitalization
Fact: Not every seizure requires hospitalization. The majority of seizures are self-limitingac and stop on their own with time. Only if the seizures are recurrent or the patient does not gain consciousness should emergency treatment be sought.
Myth 7: People with epilepsy are handicapped throughout life
Fact: Most people with epilepsy can be controlled with medications. Those who do not respond to medical therapy need pre-surgical evaluation and several of them respond to appropriate epilepsy surgery procedures. In between the seizure episodes the person is totally normal. Hence the overwhelming majority of people with epilepsy can lead and enjoy normal lives. They can study, work, marry, have children and do whatever they wish to without hindrance.
The stigma surrounding epilepsy may lead to social isolation, discrimination in schools and workplaces, as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Many people are rejected in marriage, jobs, and even school because of the myths around epilepsy. The treatment gap for epilepsy in India is huge, with estimates indicating that a high number of people with the condition do not receive proper care. By educating people with right information, we can move away from myths to understand and ensure that people with epilepsy receive the support, medical care and dignity that they deserve.
