SOME MISCONCEPTION ABOUT EPILEPSY

YOU NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH

Epilepsy is a widely misunderstood condition, and several misconceptions surround it. Here are some common ones:

✍️EPILEPSY IS RARE: Many people think epilepsy is uncommon, but it actually affects millions of people worldwide, across all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and genders. 

✍️EPILEPSY IS CONTAGIOUS: Epilepsy is a neurological condition, not an infectious disease, so it cannot be "caught" from someone else.

✍️ ALL SEIZURES ARE THE SAME: People often think all seizures involve convulsions, but there are many types of seizures, some of which involve staring spells, brief muscle twitches, or loss of awareness without any convulsions.

✍️EPILEPSY ALWAYS INVOLVES LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS: While some seizures do cause a loss of consciousness, others do not. Many people with epilepsy experience seizures that allow them to stay aware of their surroundings.

✍️PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY ARE INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED: Having epilepsy does not mean a person has an intellectual disability. Many people with epilepsy have normal intelligence and lead successful lives. 

✍️ FLASHING LIGHTS CAUSE SEIZURES IN EVERYONE WITH EPILEPSY: Only a small percentage of people with epilepsy (around 3%) have photosensitive epilepsy, which makes them sensitive to flashing lights. Most people with epilepsy are not affected by lights in this way.

PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY CANNOT WORK OR DRIVE: In many cases, individuals with epilepsy can work, and they may also be eligible to drive if their seizures are well-controlled with medication or other treatments. However, driving eligibility depends on laws and individual circumstances.

EPILEPSY CANNOT BE TREATED: Epilepsy can often be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery or other therapies. While it may not be "cured" in all cases, many people achieve seizure control.

These misconceptions can lead to stigma, so raising awareness about the reality of epilepsy is essential to promote understanding and support for those affected.

Yesterday was World epilepsy Day, we really need to create awareness about this condition.

Share this information to your  friends and family 

✍️ Prisca Ojiobianu 

#sweetmotherhood