Epilepsy – Myths and Facts
Epilepsy is a medical condition in which a person experiences repeated, unprovoked seizures caused by a sporadic, sudden and extreme electrical discharge from brain cells.
Epilepsy is one of the oldest neurological disorders known to the mankind. According to world health organization approximately 5-10 out of 1000 people suffer from epilepsy globally.
In India there are approximately 10 million epileptic patients. Which means at least 1 out of every 100 or 200 people in India suffers from epilepsy.
Treatment options for Epilepsy have progressed immensely over the past decade but the social stigma, superstitions and ignorance associated with this disorder prevents people from seeking medical advice.
In this blog I have tried to bust some common myths and misconceptions about epilepsy.
Myth – Epilepsy is caused by “evil spirits” or “supernatural powers”.
Fact – Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and with proper medical care can be fully controlled in most of the cases.
Myth – Epilepsy spreads through contact.
Fact – Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and does not spread by coming into contact with an individual who has epilepsy.
Myth – Epilepsy has no cure.
Fact – Anti epileptic pills, surgery, dietary and/or other therapies like deep brain stimulation have successfully helped in reducing or eliminating seizures in most of the epileptic patients. With proper treatment, most patients can lead full, productive lives.
Myth – Epilepsy is genetic.
Fact – Anyone can be diagnosed with Epilepsy at any given point in life. While some people are born with this disease, most are diagnosed with it for no obvious cause. Epilepsy can effect any one regardless of age, sex, ethnicity or financial background.
Myth – Epilepsy affects intelligence
Fact – In most of the cases a person with epilepsy has no intellectual disability. Learning abilities of patients can however be affected by increase in the frequency or intensity of seizures. Best Neurologist for Epilepsy Treatment in Delhi location by expert Dr. Bhaskar shukla .
Myth – An Epileptic patient can never get married nor have kids.
Fact – The epileptic patients can marry with proper consent of both the parterners and an epileptic lady can conceive and have healthy babies with proper pre conception counselling and medications.
Myth – During an epileptic fit a person can swallow his/her own tongue.
Fact – Tongue bite is a common occurrence during an epileptic seizure but swallowing the tongue is simply impossible.
Myth – If you’ve had a seizure, you have epilepsy
Fact – Not all seizures are due to Epilepsy. Seizures can occur due to an array of reasons, like high temperature, binge drinking, head injury etc. To be diagnosed as a case of epilepsy, the patient must have suffered at least two unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy specialist doctor in delhi.
Myth – You should force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure
Fact – You should not put anything into a person’s mouth during a seizure as it may cause choking/injury. During most seizure episode, the person is unconscious hence incapable of safely handling foreign objects in his/her mouth. Dr. Bhaskar shukla available at MIND VISION NEUROLOGY CLINIC AND PSRI HOSPITAL DELHI.
For more details:- https://drbhaskarshukla.com
Best doctor for Neurology Treatment .