Myths and facts about Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the brain, and is generally perceived

negatively as a lifelong, chronic, incurable disorder.

It is also one of the oldest recorded medical conditions, described by Hippocrates more than 2000 years ago, and recognized by the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India for over twenty centuries. The word “epilepsy” is derived from a Greek term meaning “to possess”, “to take hold”, ”to grab” or “to seize”.

Myths and facts about Epilepsy:

Myth	Fact
These patients are possessed by God. They should be worshiped.	Patients behave in an uncontrollable manner during an epileptic seizure, but this is not an expression of supernatural power. They should be given medical treatment and treated like any other human being.
Never touch a patient having a seizure. The disease will be passed on to you.	The patient having a seizure needs your help and should be given appropriate care. Epilepsy cannot be passed on by touching the patient.
Having a person in the family with epilepsy is a stigma, so this fact should be concealed.	unfortunately, the stigma against people with epilepsy and their families continues to be widely prevalent. Every effort should be made to remove this stigma through education.
Epilepsy is a form of madness, so it should be treated in a mental hospital.	Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain, so it should be treated by physicians, neurologists or psychiatrists.
Children with epilepsy are dull and cannot learn, so they should not be sent to school.	Children with epilepsy can be extremely intelligent. Some of the famous people in history who have epilepsy are Alexander the great, Isaac Newton, Pythogaros. Usually it is the stigma against eiplepsy which prevents parents from sending their children to school, to learn and achieve their full potential.
Women with epilepsy can never have children, so they should not get married.	Most women with epilepsy can safely hae children, with no adverse effects on the baby. Marriage of women with epilepsy is a delicate and sensitive issue and should be handled appropriately. There is certainly no bar against their getting ,married.
A seizure can be terminated by putting a key in the patient's hand or by making the patient smell onions or a dirty shoe.	None of these non-medical measures are of any use. Family members and teachers should be made aware of first-aid measures required during a seizure.
Marriage will cure epilepsy.	This misconception is widely prevalent in some villages of north-eastern Thailand and south India. It is certainly not true and it is undesirable for a person with epilepsy to marry without the proper consent and knowledge of the partner.

Some Do's and Donot's for patients: (Adapted from Indian Epilepsy Association, Bangalore, India).

• Epilepsy is a controllable disorder.
• Epilepsy is not a mental illness.
• If you witness a patient having a seizure, note the details:
• Early treatment is the secret of success.
• The prescribed anti-epileptic drugs have to be taken regularly.
• The duration of treatment, in general, is about 2 to 3 years after the last episode.
• Restrictions for people living with epilepsy are very few; the most important thing is to ensure adequate sleep.
• People with epilepsy can study, work and enjoy life.
• Women with epilepsy can marry and bear children.
• Treat people with epilepsy as you would treat people with asthma, diabetes or hypertension. Do not overprotect or ostracize.

First-aid measures :

When some one had a seizure:

1. Turn the patient on his or her side so that the tongue does not fall back and obstruct the airway. If there is vomiting, vomitus can then come out.
2. Put nothing in the mouth, as it will not prevent biting the tongue and will only obstruct breathing or break a tooth.
3. Put something soft under the person's head and neck.
4. Time the fit. If it lasts more than 10 mins or there are repeated fits, call a doctor and ambulance.

The Indian Epilepsy Association (IEA)  was established in 1971 and has developed numerous educational materials on epilepsy. It also organizes public awareness programs and celebrates 17^th nov as 'National Epilepsy Day'.

For further information , browse

• CNSindia.com
• epilepsy.com
• indianepilepsyassociation.org