Epilepsy Myths Debunked: Understanding The Science Behind Disorder That Affects 10 Million In India

Beyond the management of seizures, people with epilepsy often have to deal with the stigma attached with the condition. 

Representational image.

Source : Pixabay

By Dr Praveen Gupta

Epilepsy causes recurring, unprovoked seizures in individuals due to sudden, intense electrical activity in the brain’s cells. In India, approximately 10 million individuals grapple with this neurological disorder, which means around 1 in every 100 to 200 people in the country is experiencing unpredictable and sporadic seizures. Beyond the management of seizures, people with epilepsy often have to deal with the stigma attached with the condition. It’s time to debunk some common myths around epilepsy.

Myth: Individuals with epilepsy are mentally ill or intellectually/developmentally disabled

Fact: Epilepsy, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities are brain-related conditions. Having epilepsy doesn’t equate to having an intellectual disability or mental illness. The frequency and intensity of seizures can impact learning abilities, but, generally, individuals with epilepsy possess similar intelligence levels as those without the condition. 

Myth: During a seizure, people often swallow their tongue

Fact: Under any circumstances, it is not possible for anyone to swallow their tongue. However, it is likely that individuals having a seizure might crack or damage their teeth and may even bite their lips or tongue. 

Myth: Individuals with epilepsy are disabled and incapable of working

Fact: The majority of people with epilepsy are not disabled and can pursue fulfilling careers. However, capabilities vary for each person.

Myth: Epilepsy runs in your genes

Fact: Any person can get epilepsy at any stage of their life. Some may be born with this condition, while others receive a diagnosis without a clear cause. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, race, or financial status, striking unexpectedly across diverse demographics.

Myth: Epilepsy is attributed to ‘evil spirits’ or ‘supernatural powers’

Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and isn’t influenced by external forces. It requires treatment from neurologists, epileptologists, physicians, and paediatricians.

Myth: Epilepsy is a life sentence

Fact: Epilepsy isn’t always a lifelong condition. Though there’s no cure, certain childhood epilepsy syndromes can be outgrown. Approximately 70% of those with epilepsy achieve seizure freedom through anti-seizure medication. When a person remains seizure free for 2 to 3 years, in certain cases, the medicine may even be discontinued. Such people are considered resolved cases of epilepsy. 

The author is Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.

[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.]