Epilepsy is a disorder of brain condition that is characterized by recurring seizures. There are numerous types of epilepsy. In many cases the cause of the epilepsy remains unknown. It is a common disorder and affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages.
The occurrence of seizures might vary greatly among epileptic patients. Certain individuals may lose consciousness during a seizure, but others do not. Some people have seizures that are accompanied by a blank look in the patient for a few seconds. Others may repeatedly jerk their limbs or legs. This condition is known as convulsions.
Having a single seizure does not indicate that you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed when you have at least two seizures without a known cause that occur at least 24 hours apart. Unprovoked seizures are those that occur for no apparent reason.
Read Also: 8 Frequently Asked Questions About Febrile Seizures
| Myth | Fact |
| Myth 1: All people with epilepsy lose consciousness and have convulsions | "Tonic-clonic seizures" are the most prevalent type of seizure that we watch on television shows and films. This actually occurs when a person collapses to the ground and begins to tremble (they frequently start to froth at the mouth in TV shows and movies, but this isn't always the case!). Tonic-clonic seizures are really one of more than 40 distinct types of seizures, some of which include quick twitching of the muscles, a momentary loss of consciousness, and disorientation or confusion. In the past, a convulsive seizure was referred to as a fit. |
| Myth 2: Epilepsy is a life sentence | It is not always the case that epilepsy persists for a lifetime. Although there is presently no cure for epilepsy, some juvenile epilepsy syndromes can be "outgrown," and anti-seizure medication can help about 70% of epileptics stop having seizures. Some patients who have not experienced a seizure in ten years and have been allowed to discontinue taking medication for the last five of those years are deemed to have "resolved" epilepsy. |
| Myth 3: Epilepsy is a mental illness | Seizures and epilepsy are sometimes confused with mental disorders. For instance, during a seizure, a person may act strangely, make bizarre noises, or use strange wording. But just like everyone else, some individuals with epilepsy may have mental health issues, including anxiety or sadness. |
| Myth 4: If you have epilepsy, you can’t drive | If their seizures are effectively managed with medication or if they meet the requirements outlined by the state's appropriate driving authority, people with epilepsy are eligible to get a driver's license. |
| Myth 5: You should restrain someone having a seizure | When someone is having a seizure, you have the risk of upsetting or hurting them. Restraining someone won't halt or slow down a seizure; it will continue on its own. Initial care for seizures varies according to the type of seizure. |
| Myth 6: You should put something in a person’s mouth to stop them swallowing their tongue during a seizure | Swallowing your tongue is practically impossible. Avoid putting anything in their mouth because during a seizure, they are unable to control their muscles and might bite down on it, breaking their teeth or injuring their mouth or jaw (you could also hurt yourself in the process). |
| Myth 7: If someone has a seizure, they have to go to the hospital. | Hospitalization is not necessary for every seizure. After a seizure, the person usually just needs time to recuperate, which they may be able to accomplish at home, at work, or at school. It is recommended to contact emergency medical assistance if you don't know the individual and you see them suffering a seizure. |
The right treatment may help people with epilepsy in having reduced frequency of seizures or possibly no seizures. Following are possible treatment options for epilepsy:
Controlling seizures as effectively as possible is the aim of epilepsy therapy. Epilepsy may sometimes be a chronic illness in some patients. With appropriate therapy, seizures may cease in others. You have a role to play in controlling your seizures. Get enough sleep, cut back on alcohol, maintain a balanced diet, stay away from seizure triggers, and take your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Epilepsy and seizures can impact your life in challenging ways. Get expert guidance from top neurologists in Mumbai at Surya Hospitals. Book your consultation now!
Q1: What is the cure for epilepsy?
A: Although there is no known cure for epilepsy, you can manage your seizures with the support of your care team. Many epileptics lead fulfilling lives. With medicine, they can even stop having seizures.
Q2: When someone is having a seizure, should you put anything in their mouth?
A: Avoid putting anything in the mouth of someone who is experiencing a seizure. They can unintentionally swallow the item or suffer damage to their teeth, gums, or jaw. Additionally, you shouldn't attempt to restrain them, as doing so might harm both of you.
Q3: Can a kid with epilepsy attend a regular school?
A: Yes, the majority of kids with epilepsy attend school. They engage in activities and get excellent scores exactly like kids without epilepsy, but they may experience more challenges.
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