Common Myths and Misunderstandings About Epilepsy

Even though medical progress has come a long way the myths and misconceptions of the past still pose a major problem. Some popular myths are:Myth #1- Epilepsy is contagiousYou simply cannot catch epilepsy from another person!Myth #2- You can swallow your tongue during a seizure It's physically impossible to swallow your tongue. In fact, you should never force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure. That's a good way to chip teeth, puncture gums, or even break someone's jaw.Myth #3- People with epilepsy are disabled and can't workPeople with the condition have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us. Some have sever seizures and cannot work; others are successful and productive in challenging careers. People with seizure disorders are found in all walks of life and at all levels of business, government, the arts and the professions.Myth #4- People with epilepsy look differentUnless someone with epilepsy is actually having a seizure there is no way that his or her condition can be detected.Myth #5- Epilepsy is a form of mental illnessEpilepsy is an umbrella term covering about twenty different types of seizure disorders. It is a functional, physical problem, not a mental one.Myth #6- With today's medication, epilepsy is largely a solved problemEpilepsy is a chronic medical problem that for many people can be successfully treated. Unfortunately, treatment doesn't work for everyone and there's a critical need for more research.The truth is that epilepsy is a very common disorder. Epilepsy can happen to anybody at any time. In the vast majority of cases, epilepsy should not stop someone from living healthy, productive life. It is too often people's misconceptions about epilepsy create the disability, not epilepsy itself.