November is Epilepsy Awareness month. All month people have been spreading the word about epilepsy and have been trying to separate fact from fiction.
Most people have no idea what epilepsy is, and that’s why there is such a stigma about people with epilepsy. People fear what they don’t understand, and that’s why epilepsy is so misunderstood.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes repeated seizures over time. These seizures are caused by electronic disturbances in the brain. Many don’t know that there are different types of seizures and classifications of epilepsy.
Also here are some things that most individuals don’t know about people with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is not contagious. FACT- It is impossible to “catch” epilepsy from someone who is having a seizure. Epilepsy may be caused by head injuries, stroke, brain tumors, genetic conditions, lead poisoning, problems in brain development before birth, or an illness that affects the brain like meningitis or encephalitis.
Many seizures do not involve convulsions. FACT- Signs of a seizure can include a blank stare, rapid blinking, some chewing movements. If these signs are noticed, no immediate first aid is required other than reassurance and emotional support. First aid is necessary only if the seizure becomes convulsive.
People with epilepsy can drive. FACT- Individual states have different laws that specify the length of time a person must be seizure free before allowed to drive.
A seizure cannot be stopped by restraining the person. FACT- Never restrain anyone during a seizure – you could injure him or her. Move the person away from any sharp objects or hard surfaces.
Epilepsy is not a mental illness. FACT- Epilepsy is a physical disorder. The average seizure does not have any lasting effect on the brain. Many people with epilepsy have had dozens or even hundreds of seizures in their lives without noticeable changes in intelligence or alertness.
Epilepsy is largely an unsolved problem. FACT– Epilepsy is a chronic medical problem that, for many people, can be successfully treated as long as medications are taken regularly. Different treatments such as surgery, drugs, vagus nerve stimulation, or a special diet are used to control different types of seizures.
Epilepsy is a common disorder. FACT– Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder in the United States affecting nearly three million people. One in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
These are only just a few of the things that many people go their entire lives without knowing because they feel that it’s not useful to them. Knowing information like this could always be helpful to you if you come across someone with epilepsy.
There is so much more information about epilepsy in all its different forms, and a great place to go to find more information is http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/.
An entire foundation has been created just for people with epilepsy and in finding a cure. So if you’re interested in learning more about epilepsy, then go to this website because it’s much more common than what many people believe.