Top 4 Common Epilepsy Myths | Purnea Neuro Clinic

Purnea Neuro Clinic
Dec 23, 2022
2 min read

Updated: May 24, 2023

We help individuals and families who are living with epilepsy. It is common for our doctors to hear incorrect but highly shared myths about epilepsy disorder.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It affects approximately 65 million people worldwide and is the fourth most common Neurological Disorder. For some, the condition may be hereditary. Other causes include head injury, stroke, brain tumor or Alzheimer’s disease. Epilepsy can affect men and women, and people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

The symptoms of epileptic seizures vary widely. Some people may experience uncontrollable jerking of the arms and legs or loss of consciousness and awareness. Others may experience a brief stare. If someone has two seizures in a row, one seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or they injure themselves during a seizure, they should seek medical attention immediately.

Related Link: –Best Seizures Doctor in Purnia

What Are 4 Common Epilepsy Myths?

Flashing lights cause seizures in everyone with epilepsy.
If someone has a seizure, they have epilepsy.
People with epilepsy are disabled and unable to work.
There is no way to control or treat epilepsy.

Myth #1: Flashing Lights Cause Seizures in Everyone with Epilepsy

Only 3% of the millions of Indians living with epilepsy are photosensitive to strobe or flashing lights. Seizure triggers vary greatly from person to person. This photosensitive type of epilepsy is more common in children and young adults and can become less frequent as individuals get older.

Myth #2: If Someone Has a Seizure, They Have Epilepsy

While seizures are a characteristic of epilepsy, not everyone who has a seizure necessarily has epilepsy. It is estimated that about 10% of people will experience a seizure in their life. Having a seizure is not a definitive sign that someone has epilepsy. Other causes of seizures include low blood sugar, a recent concussion, a high fever, sleep deprivation, binge drinking, or a new medication.

Myth #3: People with Epilepsy Are Disabled and Unable To Work

A common belief is that people with epilepsy are unable to be productive. This myth also goes in hand with the belief that epilepsy is a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental disability. All of the above is false. Epilepsy is a disorder that affects the central nervous system, not a mental illness or mental impairment. Up to 70% of people can manage their condition with medication. Because epilepsy affects each individual differently, people with epilepsy can lead full lives and have successful careers in a number of different professions.

Myth #4: There Is No Way to Control or Treat Epilepsy

With modern medicine, there are certainly ways to treat and control epilepsy. Studies show that 2 in 3 people with epilepsy can be seizure-free with the right medication. In other cases, an Epilepsy Specialist can evaluate a patient to see if they are a good candidate for surgery to remove the abnormal part of the brain that causes seizures.

Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy or if you are looking for correct information about the disorder and how to help, be sure to speak to Epilepsy Doctor in Purnea or schedule your appointment at Purnea Neuro Clinic