International Epilepsy Day 2024: 5 myths regarding epilepsy and seizures

Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

This International Epilepsy Day 2024, we debunk 5 myths and share information you could know concerning epilepsy and seizures …learn extra

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Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

The lack of know-how about epilepsy and seizures is a startling actuality that always goes unnoticed and whereas many individuals have a basic understanding of what epilepsy is, there stays a big hole in data concerning the situation and its affect on people’ lives. This International Epilepsy Day, it’s essential to recognise that epilepsy shouldn’t be merely experiencing occasional seizures and might profoundly have an effect on somebody’s bodily, psychological and emotional well-being. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Dr Pankaj Agarwal, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Head of the Department of Neurology at Global Hospitals in Mumbai’s Parel, shared, “This lack of awareness can lead to stigmatization and discrimination against those living with epilepsy, further complicating their everyday experiences.  An inadequate understanding of epilepsy can result in delayed or improper treatment for those affected by the condition. We aim to bust myths regarding epilepsy and seizures.” He dispelled the myths surrounding epilepsy and seizures – (Shutterstock)

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Myth #1: Epilepsy is very rare Fact: Epilepsy impacts millions of people in the country and is a prevalent neurological disorder. Factors such as head injury, brain infection, stroke, brain tumour, Alzheimer's disease, brain malformation and genetic predisposition are known to contribute to its development. It is commonly seen in people of all age groups. (Photo by Pixabay)
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Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Myth #1: Epilepsy could be very uncommon Fact: Epilepsy impacts tens of millions of individuals within the nation and is a prevalent neurological dysfunction. Factors reminiscent of head damage, mind an infection, stroke, mind tumour, Alzheimer’s illness, mind malformation and genetic predisposition are recognized to contribute to its growth. It is usually seen in folks of all age teams. (Photo by Pixabay)

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Myth #2: Epilepsy and seizures mean exactly the same thing. Fact: Seizures occur when there is a temporary disruption in the brain's electrical activity. Few people will experience a seizure at some stage in their life. It's important to note that experiencing a single seizure does not necessarily indicate epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder distinguished by recurrent seizures. (Shutterstock)
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Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Myth #2: Epilepsy and seizures imply precisely the identical factor. Fact: Seizures happen when there’s a momentary disruption within the mind’s electrical exercise. Few folks will expertise a seizure in the course of their life. It’s essential to notice that experiencing a single seizure doesn’t essentially point out epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological dysfunction distinguished by recurrent seizures. (Shutterstock)

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Myth #3: Epilepsy always causes convulsions, which involve shaking and jerking. Fact: Seizures come in various forms, each with distinct symptoms. These may include motor symptoms such as jerking movements, muscle weakness or rigidity and twitching or spasms. Non-motor symptoms can also occur, such as staring spells, changes in sensation, emotions, thinking or cognition, or a lack of movement. (Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay )
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Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Myth #3: Epilepsy at all times causes convulsions, which contain shaking and jerking. Fact: Seizures are available in numerous varieties, every with distinct signs. These could embody motor signs reminiscent of jerking actions, muscle weak point or rigidity and twitching or spasms. Non-motor signs can even happen, reminiscent of staring spells, adjustments in sensation, feelings, considering or cognition, or a scarcity of motion. (Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay )

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Myth #4: Epilepsy is always triggered by flashing lights and video games or stress. Fact: This form of epilepsy is more prevalent in younger individuals and tends to decrease in frequency as they age. Seizure triggers differ from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol or drug use, fever or illness, hormonal changes, nutrition, or certain medications.(Shutterstock image)
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Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Myth #4: Epilepsy is at all times triggered by flashing lights and video video games or stress. Fact: This type of epilepsy is extra prevalent in youthful people and tends to lower in frequency as they age. Seizure triggers differ from individual to individual and could be influenced by elements reminiscent of sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol or drug use, fever or sickness, hormonal adjustments, diet, or sure drugs.(Shutterstock picture)

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Myth #5: Epilepsy is a psychiatric condition. Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical brain activity, and it is often accompanied by depression and anxiety. The unpredictability of seizures and the fear of discrimination create a stigma that impacts the quality of life for those with epilepsy. So, epilepsy should not be classified as a psychiatric disease. (Shutterstock)
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Published on Feb 12, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Myth #5: Epilepsy is a psychiatric situation. Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological dysfunction attributable to irregular electrical mind exercise, and it’s usually accompanied by melancholy and nervousness. The unpredictability of seizures and the worry of discrimination create a stigma that impacts the standard of life for these with epilepsy. So, epilepsy shouldn’t be categorized as a psychiatric illness. (Shutterstock)

Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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