Myths Surrounding Epilepsy

National Health Society (NHS) of the UK cites that more than 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, which is the most common chronic brain disease affecting people of all ages.

Out of that figure, it says, nearly 80 per cent of them live in low and middle income countries.

People can be cured from having seizures following proper diagnosis and treatment.

Epilepsy is often misunderstood with different facts and myths surrounding the condition despite over 500,000 people in the UK having epilepsy, according to Epilepsy Society UK.

Here are 5 common myths surrounding the condition:

1.You shake and jerk when you have epilepsy

There are a range of seizures that have different side effects and can affect people differently. Some sufferers are aware that they are having seizure, some are not.

2.Flashing lights cause seizures in everyone with epilepsy

Triggers for epilepsy differ from one person to another but there are common triggers such as lack of sleep, stress and alcohol consumption.

3. You can restrain someone during a convulsive seizure and put your finger in their mouth

Don’t! You’ll lose your finger.

4. Epilepsy is rare

In the UK itself, one in every 100 people have epilepsy.   And as mentioned earlier, 50 million around the world suffer from the disease.

5.The only side effects of a seizure are tiredness and being confused

Different people experience different side effects.  Some may have sleep or memory problem and for some people epilepsy may also affect their mental health.

SOURCE: Epilepsy Society of UK