[Eoscstudents] EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH

[June Haynes]

Here are a few myths about Epilepsy and the facts associated with each myth:

                Myth ---Epilepsy is a mental illness.

Fact---Epilepsy is a physical disorder that has nothing to do with mental
health or intelligence.

 

Myth---Epilepsy is contagious.

Fact---It is impossible to "catch" epilepsy from someone who is having a
seizure.

 

Myth---A person who has a seizure can swallow his or her tongue.

Fact---Someone having a seizure is not at risk of swallowing his or her
tongue. Never place an object such as a spoon in the person's mouth, as it
could break a tooth or injure the gums, and block the airway.

 

Myth---People with epilepsy look different.

Fact---People with epilepsy look the same as everyone else. In fact, they
lead normal lives and can achieve the goals as the rest of us.

 

Myth---A seizure can 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.

 

WHAT IS EPILEPSY?

 

Epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by sudden brief changes in the
brain's electrical balance, causing seizures.  Seizures can alter awareness,
physical movements, consciousness or actions. Seizures generally last from a
few seconds to a few minutes. Epilepsy is often called a "seizure disorder."
Both terms are used to describe recurring seizures.

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