Myth 1: If you’ve had a seizure, you have epilepsy
Truth…
A person is diagnosed with epilepsy when he or she has two or more unprovoked (“out of the blue”) seizures that occur more than 24 hours apart. But when something provokes a seizure, such as binge drinking, sleep deprivation, or a new medication, these are not related to epilepsy.
Myth 2: People with epilepsy are mentally ill or emotionally unstable
Truth…
Epilepsy is an umbrella term covering more than 20 different types of seizure disorders. It is a functional, physical problem, not a mental one, and has no single, identifiable cause.
Myth 3: People with epilepsy aren’t as smart as other people
Truth…
Epilepsy has little to no effect on a person’s ability to think, except during seizures, during a short period following some seizures and sometimes as a side effect of certain anti-epileptic medications.
Myth 4: People who have seizures can’t handle high-pressure, demanding jobs
Truth…
They often can, and they do. Most professions — including those in the highest tiers of business, government, justice system, sports, and medicine — can accommodate a person with epilepsy
Myth 5: It’s easy to tell when a seizure is about to happen
Truth…
We can’t yet predict when seizures are beginning, although some patients say they can feel a brief sensation within seconds of a seizure — which we call an “aura.” Research is ongoing and include training dogs to detect the onset of seizures.
Myth 6: Seizures hurt
Truth…
A person is unconscious during most seizures and not in any pain. Afterward, they could feel discomfort if they fell down, have muscle aches or if they bit their tongue (during a grand mal seizure).
Myth 7: Epilepsy is most common in children
Truth…
Epilepsy most common in both the very young and the elderly. However, it can develop at any age.
Myth 8: During a seizure, a person could swallow or choke on his or her tongue
Truth…
Impossible. The worst thing that can happen during a seizure is that a person could bite his or her tongue.
Myth 9: You should force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure
Truth…
Never put anything into a person’s mouth if they are having a seizure. This could actually injure them. Roll the person on one side, keep him or her a safe distance from any nearby objects, and let the seizure run its course. If you see any signs of distress or if the seizure persists for more than a couple of minutes, call 9-1-1.
Myth 10: Epilepsy can’t be controlled effectively
Truth…
There are many ways to treat, minimize, control, and even — under the right conditions — eliminate epilepsy. With anti-epileptic medications, it’s possible to control epileptic seizures adequately in 70 percent of patients. The remaining 30 percent are possible candidates for surgery, but it depends on where the epilepsy originates in the brain.
Myth 11: Women with epilepsy can’t or shouldn’t get pregnant
Truth…
Epilepsy does not generally affect a woman’s ability to conceive and has a minimal effect on a child’s development. However, if women are taking anti-epileptic drugs, the risk of birth defects ranges from 2 to 10 percent. People can minimize the risk by working closely with a neurologist and obstetrician.
Myth 12: People with epilepsy will pass it on to their kids
Truth…
“Kids of parents with some forms of epilepsy are at higher risk of developing it, but the risk is very low,” Dr. Najm – Cleveland Clinic says. This is because a single gene problem rarely causes epilepsy; it usually involves a combination of gene defects in multiple areas.
Myth 13: You can’t live a full, normal life with epilepsy
Truth…
Epilepsy can affect a person’s lifestyle, but you can live a full life, Dr. Najm – Cleveland Clinic says. “Live your life, but live with moderation. Avoid extremes in lifestyle.” Before you start doing something new, Dr. Najm advises: “Ask yourself: ‘Could I hurt myself or someone else if I had a seizure?’ If the answer is ‘yes,’ and seizures are not well-controlled, people should avoid the activity or be very cautious. ”
Source – Cleveland Clinic