Seizures are often misunderstood, surrounded by myths and misinformation that can lead to fear and improper responses. These misconceptions not only affect individuals living with epilepsy but also hinder public understanding and safety. Knowing the facts is crucial for providing appropriate support and care. If you are seeking guidance from the best neurologist in Hyderabad, understanding the truth about seizures is the first step toward effective management and compassionate support.
Fact: This is one of the most dangerous myths. Placing an object, or your fingers, in the mouth of someone having a seizure can cause serious harm. It may lead to broken teeth, jaw injuries, or choking. A person having a seizure cannot swallow their tongue—this is a physiological impossibility. The best course of action is to gently roll the person onto their side to help them breathe and clear any fluid from their mouth.
Fact: The image of a convulsive seizure (tonic-clonic seizure) is what most people picture, but it's only one type. Seizures can manifest in many different ways. Some are much more subtle and may include:
Recognizing the diverse nature of seizures is essential for proper diagnosis and response.
Fact: There is no inherent link between epilepsy and intellectual ability. The vast majority of people with epilepsy have normal intelligence. While some individuals may have co-existing conditions that affect cognitive function, epilepsy itself does not determine a person's intelligence. Many highly accomplished and brilliant historical figures, including Julius Caesar and Edgar Allan Poe, are believed to have had epilepsy.
Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological condition, not an infectious disease. You cannot "catch" epilepsy from another person. It is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can result from genetic factors, brain injury, stroke, infections like meningitis, or developmental disorders. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Fact: Holding someone down or trying to stop their movements during a convulsive seizure is not helpful and can cause injury. The seizure will run its course regardless of restraint. Your priority should be to ensure the person's safety by clearing the area of hard or sharp objects. You can place a soft item, like a folded jacket, under their head to prevent injury.
Fact: While seeing a seizure can be frightening, it is not always a life-threatening emergency requiring a call to an ambulance. For someone with a known epilepsy diagnosis, a typical seizure that lasts for their usual duration (often less than two minutes) does not usually require emergency medical intervention.
However, you should call for an ambulance if:
Fact: Photosensitive epilepsy, where seizures are triggered by flashing or flickering lights, gets a lot of media attention but is relatively rare. It affects only about 3% of people with epilepsy. Seizure triggers are highly individual and can include a wide range of factors, such as:
Fact: This is a damaging stereotype. With proper management and treatment, the vast majority of people with epilepsy can work, have families, and participate in a full range of life activities. Legal protections in many countries, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibit discrimination against individuals with epilepsy in the workplace. While some professions may have restrictions for safety reasons, most career paths are open.
Fact: Epilepsy can develop at any age. While it is common for seizures to begin in childhood, new cases are also frequently diagnosed in older adults. In seniors, epilepsy can be caused by other health issues like stroke or tumors. It is a condition that affects people across the entire lifespan.
Fact: Epilepsy is a highly treatable condition. For about 70% of people with epilepsy, seizures can be completely controlled with anti-seizure medications. For those who do not respond to medication, other treatment options are available, including:
Advances in neurology continue to provide new and better treatment options.
Understanding the realities of seizures is vital for creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with epilepsy. By dispelling these common myths, we can replace fear with facts and stigma with support. Proper knowledge empowers us to act correctly in an emergency and treat those with epilepsy with the dignity and respect they deserve. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that could be related to a seizure disorder, consulting a specialist is the most important step you can take. To ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, seeking out the best neurologist in Hyderabad can provide the expertise and compassionate care needed to navigate this journey effectively.
Stay calm and ensure the person's safety. Move any nearby objects that could cause injury. If they are having a convulsive seizure, gently roll them onto their side and place something soft under their head. Time the seizure. Do not put anything in their mouth or try to restrain them.
It is rare to die from a seizure itself. However, prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) or seizures that occur in dangerous situations, like while swimming or driving, can be life-threatening. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is also a rare but serious risk.
Yes. A single seizure does not automatically mean a person has epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy typically requires at least two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart. Seizures can also be provoked by factors like high fever, low blood sugar, or alcohol withdrawal.
Driving regulations for people with epilepsy vary by location. Most jurisdictions require a person to be seizure-free for a specific period (e.g., three months to a year) before they are legally allowed to drive. A neurologist can provide guidance based on local laws and an individual's specific condition.
