Understanding Epilepsy: Clearing Myths and Embracing Facts

Characterized by the occurrence of seizures, epilepsy's effects can be vastly different from one person to another. Despite its prevalence, epilepsy is often shrouded in myths and misunderstandings, leading to significant stigma and discrimination against those affected.

This blog aims to raise awareness about epilepsy, highlight the types of seizures and epilepsy, and debunk prevalent myths, especially on World Epilepsy Day.

Celebrated on the second Monday of February each year, International Epilepsy Day seeks to increase public knowledge and understanding of epilepsy and advocate for better rights and services for people with epilepsy.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These seizures are sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain, affecting how a person appears or acts for a short time.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy symptoms can vary, ranging from temporary confusion and staring spells to uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.

Types of Seizures and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is categorized into different types based on the types of seizures experienced:

Focal Seizures: These start in one area of the brain. Symptoms can be subtle, such as tingling, or more evident, such as jerking of one part of the body.

Generalized Seizures: These affect both sides of the brain. Types include absence seizures, which may involve brief lapses in awareness, and tonic-clonic seizures, which can cause convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Unknown Onset Seizures: When the origin of the seizure is not known, it falls under this category.

Understanding the diversity of epilepsy and seizure types is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Seizure disorder, another term for epilepsy, emphasizes the condition's primary symptom but does not capture the complexity of epilepsy. Treatment is tailored to the individual, depending on the types of seizures and epilepsy diagnosed.

Epilepsy Treatment

Treatment options vary widely, with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) being the cornerstone of epilepsy management.

For some, surgical options, such as resective surgery or the implantation of devices like the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), offer hope for seizure reduction or freedom.

Additionally, dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet have been effective for certain types of epilepsy, highlighting the personalized nature of epilepsy care.

Advancements in technology have also opened new avenues for managing epilepsy. Wearable devices that monitor seizures and apps that track medication schedules and seizure activity are helping individuals gain more control over their condition.

Busting Myths About Epilepsy

Myths and misconceptions about epilepsy contribute to the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with the condition. Here are some facts to clear common myths:

Myth: Epilepsy is contagious.
Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological condition, not an infectious disease. It cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Myth: You should restrain someone having a seizure.
Fact: Instead of restraining, ensure the person is safe from injury, place them on their side, and never put anything in their mouth.

Myth: People with epilepsy cannot be trusted in work environments.
Fact: Individuals with epilepsy can work and perform as effectively as anyone else. With proper management and support, most people with epilepsy can engage in a wide range of jobs.

Myth: People with epilepsy should not participate in sports.
Fact: Many people with epilepsy can safely participate in sports and physical activities with appropriate precautions and medical guidance.

Living with Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy goes beyond managing seizures; it includes overcoming social, professional, and psychological challenges.

Individuals often face misconceptions about their ability to work, drive, or engage in activities safely, leading to potential isolation or discrimination.

Solutions to these challenges include comprehensive care plans tailored to the individual's needs, incorporating medication management, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes surgical interventions for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. Support from family, friends, and dedicated epilepsy support groups also plays a vital role.

Conclusion

Epilepsy is more than just a seizure disorder; it's a condition that impacts every aspect of an individual's life.

Movies like “Bawaal” (2023) directed by Nitesh Tiwari, explore the life of people with epilepsy, creating awareness about the challenges and societal perceptions faced by those living with the condition.

By understanding the types of epilepsy and seizures, we can better support those affected by this condition. So, let's dispel the myths and embrace the facts about epilepsy, promoting a world of inclusion and understanding.

References
- World Health Organization. (2019). Epilepsy: a public health imperative. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy
- Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). What is Epilepsy? Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-epilepsy
- Brinkmann, B. H., Karoly, P. J., Nurse, E. S., Dumanis, S. B., Nasseri, M., Viana, P. F., Schulze-Bonhage, A., Freestone, D. R., Worrell, G., Richardson, M. P., & Cook, M. J. (2021). Seizure Diaries and Forecasting With Wearables: Epilepsy Monitoring Outside the Clinic. Frontiers in Neurology, 12, 690404. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.690404