Many times, it is the fear and misconception about diseases that keeps us away from embracing the immediate need of people and communities that are seeking redress. Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest medical conditions on record. And yet, people are less aware of it, and it tends to be shrouded in myths. Read on to equip yourself with all that you need to know about Epilepsy.
– Epilepsy is a seizure. It is not a condition where a person has control over his body or mind. Therefore, hitting a person or harming a person who is having a seizure is not the right thing to do.
– One of the most popular beliefs of Epilepsy is that one can swallow their tongue. It is not possible to swallow your tongue, since the tongue is rooted to the floor of the mouth. This makes getting the tongue far enough back in the throat to actually swallow it impossible.
– People say that putting something in the mouth of a person having a seizure will prevent them from swallowing their tongue. This is misinformation. Putting something in the mouth of a person with a seizure can choke them, too.
– Never attempt to restrain a person having a seizure. Use basic first aid to address the issue and then allow the seizure to happen.
– Epilepsy is not a contagious disease. But, those who do have epilepsy may be more or less likely to have a history of seizures in their family, but it is not contagious.
– Epilepsy and seizures can develop in any person at any age, and at any point in time. Seizures and epilepsy tend to seem more common in young children and older people. But they are not limited to those age groups and can happen at any point in time.
– People who have epilepsy are presumed to be less intelligent – but this is not true. People who have Epilepsy are about the same level in terms of intelligence as people without Epilepsy.
– There is an assumption that one can’t die from epilepsy. However, this is not true. Epilepsy is inherently a rather serious condition and individuals do tend to die from seizures.
– There are over forty different kinds of seizures and Epilepsy, and the occurrence of convulsions are not the most common kinds of seizures, at all!

References:
http://livingwellwithepilepsy.com/2015/emilys-perspective/emilys-perspective-facts-and-myths-about-epilepsy.html
http://livingwellwithepilepsy.com/2016/emilys-perspective/home-treatment.html

PC: ibe-epilepsy.org