Let’s dispel some myths related to epilepsy.

There are a lot of misconceptions about epilepsy out there. In acknowledgment of this, we decided to fact-check 13 myths about epilepsy with the help of Dr. Mohana Rao, who works at one of the leading hospitals of neurosurgery in Andhra Pradesh, and convey the actual truth through this post.

Myth 1: During a seizure, you will swallow your tongue.

Fact 1: Actually, swallowing your tongue during a seizure is impossible.

Myth 2: You should put something into someone's mouth if they have a seizure to keep them from choking.

Fact 2: Never put anything in the mouth of someone who is suffering a seizure. This could end up causing more significant harm to the individual. Instead, gently roll the person to one side, place something soft under their head, and stay by their side until they awaken.

Myth 3: If someone is suffering a seizure, you should restrain them.

Fact 3: All neurosurgeons in India agree that you should never hold someone down during a seizure. A bone or muscle injury might result from holding someone down. Instead, make sure the environment around them is clean of things and that their head is softly padded.

Myth 4: Epilepsy may be spread.

Fact 4: Epilepsy cannot be passed from one individual to another.

Myth 5: The person is in pain during a seizure.

Fact 5: During a seizure, a person is knocked out and does not feel any discomfort. However, following a prolonged attack, some persons may have muscle aches and fatigue.

Myth 6: Epilepsy causes mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Fact 6: According to a neurosurgery specialist at Dr. Rao's hospital in Andhra Pradesh, epilepsy, mental illness, and intellectual deficiencies are all illnesses that impact the brain. Epilepsy, on the other hand, does not imply that a person has a mental disorder or an intellectual handicap. The frequency and intensity of a person's seizure activity can impact their ability to learn. In general, a person with epilepsy has the same level of intelligence as someone who does not have epilepsy.

Myth 7: Epilepsy renders people incapacitated and unable to work.

Fact 7: Most people with epilepsy are not impaired and can work productively. Every individual is unique.

Myth 8: People with epilepsy should avoid employment that requires a great deal of responsibility and stress.

Fact 8: Epilepsy is a disorder that affects people of all races and ethnicities equally. Seizures affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. People with seizure disorders can work in a variety of fields and have a successful career.

Myth 9: Having a seizure means you have epilepsy.

Fact 9: Epilepsy is defined as a condition in which seizures occur repeatedly. It is not termed epilepsy if the episodes do not recur. Other medical problems that can cause strokes include a recent concussion, a high temperature, or low blood sugar.

Myth 10: Convulsions are present in all seizures.

Fact 10: Seizures can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Some can make a person pass out or suffer convulsions (when their body stiffens then jerks uncontrollably). Other seizures may cause the person to blink fast and stare off or generate peculiar feelings (such as tingling) or odd actions (like repeated lip-smacking or hand wringing).

Myth 11: Seizures are caused by video games or strobe lights.

Fact 11: Visual triggers are found in only 3% of patients with epilepsy. Videogames can trigger seizures with rapid flashing lights or alternating color patterns, but this is highly unusual.

Myth 12: Epilepsy medicines are ineffective.

Fact 12: With the correct kind of medication in the right dose, two-thirds of persons with epilepsy can completely manage their seizures. Other treatments can occasionally be added to the drug to improve the cure for the remaining one-third. Brain surgery, nerve stimulation with an implanted electrical device, or a particular diet are some of the therapy options available.

Myth 13: Knowing when a seizure is likely to happen is simple.

Fact 13: We can't yet anticipate when seizures will start, though some patients report feeling a fleeting sensation seconds before an episode begins, which we term an "aura." Dogs are being trained to identify the onset of seizures as part of ongoing research.

Myth 14: Epilepsy cannot be adequately controlled.

Fact 14: Epilepsy can be treated, minimized, controlled, and even eliminated given the right circumstances. Anti-epileptic drugs can effectively manage epileptic seizures in over 70% of individuals. The remaining 30% may be surgical candidates, but it all depends on where epilepsy begins in the brain.

Myth 15: Epileptic women cannot or should not become pregnant.

Fact 15: Epilepsy has a minor impact on a child's development and does not influence a woman's ability to conceive. On the other hand, anti-epileptic medicines increase the chance of birth abnormalities by 2% to 10% in women. Dr. Mohana Rao, a well-known neurosurgeon in Andhra Pradesh, says, "This is a bigger worry." Working collaboratively with a neurologist and an OB/GYN can help people reduce their risk.

Myth 16: Epilepsy prevents you from living an entire and regular life.

Fact 16: Epilepsy can influence a person's lifestyle, but you can still live an entire life. "Live your life to the fullest, but do it in moderation. Avoid extremes in your way of life." "Ask yourself: 'Could I damage myself or someone else if I had a seizure?'" Dr. Mohana Rao advises before starting anything new. If the response is yes, and the seizures are not under control, people should avoid the activity or use extreme caution."