Some myths around epilepsy are centuries old but they still exist. When someone hears the word “epilepsy”, all we picture out a dramatic scene – A person shakes fiercely on the ground, person’s eyes roll to the back, etc. But some seizures are as subtle as a drooling mouth or a blank stare.
Despite its widespread prevalence, epilepsy continues to be misunderstood by the general public and underfunded in research initiatives. This general lack of knowledge leads to misconceptions and fear, mainly stemming from not knowing how to help during a seizure.
Let’s not talk about what is epilepsy, the causes and other facts. Here we will find facts about some of the common epilepsy myths or misconceptions, that have been running around.
Fact - Experiencing a single seizure attack doesn’t mean you have an epilepsy. Seizure can be spiked off due to many other reasons like spike in a blood sugar or trauma to the head. A patient is diagnosed with epilepsy of he/she has two or more seizures. But in some case patients with one seizure attack is also diagnosed with epilepsy if the test shows that they would likely to reoccur.
Fact – Epilepsy is a functional, physical problem, not a mental one, and it has many unidentifiable causes.
Fact – They can definitely. Any professions can accommodate a person with epilepsy. They have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us.
Fact – This disease is common among both children and elderly. It can develop at any age.
Fact - Actually, it’s impossible to swallow your tongue during a seizure.
Fact - An estimated 25% of epilepsy cases are preventable. Preventing head injury is the most effective way to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy. There are many ways to treat, minimize, control and even — under the right conditions — eliminate epilepsy.
Fact – Epilepsy doesn’t affect a woman’s ability to conceive and has very minimal effect of child’s development. One can minimize any risk by closely working with a neurologist.
Fact - Never hold down a person during a seizure. Holding someone down can cause a bone or muscular injury. Rather please ensure that the person is not near anything that’s harmful such as a swimming pool or sharp objects.
Fact - Epilepsy can affect a person’s lifestyle, but with proper epilepsy treatment and management, you can live a full life.
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