Myths

One would think that by now the myths that have surrounded epilepsy for centuries would be a thing of the past.  Unfortunately, many are still with us. This ignorance about what epilepsy is and what it is not continues to plague people who live with its consequences every day. It would help for you to know what these misconceptions are and discover ways that you can help to dispel them by engaging in meaningful conversations with the people that you meet, work with, socialize with, and count on for your care. You may be able to add to the list below with other odd things attributed to epilepsy and seizures.  In some cultures, a person with epilepsy is presumed to be possessed by the devil.  Some cultures believe that a person is talking to the gods when they are having a seizure.

• People with epilepsy take special medication now and don’t have seizures.
• People with epilepsy really shouldn’t work because it’s too stressful.
• People with epilepsy have a mental illness.
• People with epilepsy are unable to learn.
• People with epilepsy are aggressive
• Epilepsy is contagious
• People with epilepsy shouldn’t marry and have children.
• If someone is having a seizure, you should put a spoon in their mouth so they won’t swallow their tongue.