2026-01-12 Health

Dos and Don’ts When Someone Experiences an Epileptic Seizure If you have a family member diagnosed with epilepsy, the most important thing to know is that the disease is, in the vast majority of cases, successfully controlled and that people with epilepsy can live full, active, and able-bodied lives. What is epilepsy and why are there so many prejudices about it Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, but it is neither a mental illness nor a contagious one. According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is a disease that in most cases can be managed with regular therapy, enabling patients to live a functional and independent life. However, epilepsy is often associated with fear, inaccurate reactions and deep-rooted stigma in society. In addition to the disease itself, people living with epilepsy also face prejudices that make their daily lives difficult. Precisely for this reason, informing the family is essential. The correct understanding of the disease directly affects the patient’s quality of life and the way he feels – safe, accepted and supported. Is every seizure epilepsy and can people with this diagnosis work normally? It is important to know that not every seizure is epilepsy. According to the International League Against Epilepsy, epileptic seizures are caused by disordered electrical activity in the brain, while there are also non-epileptic seizures, which may be the result of low blood sugar, cardiac problems or psychological trauma. For this reason, accurate diagnosis is crucial, while the family plays an important role in observing symptoms and cooperating with doctors. One of the most common misconceptions is that people with epilepsy cannot work or that they are “dangerous” to the environment. When seizures are kept under control through adherence to therapy, most people with epilepsy can work normally, raise families, and participate in daily activities. Some specific professions, such as professional driver or pilot, are not recommended, but this does not mean a general limitation of life. Are emotions and intelligence affected in people with epilepsy? Epilepsy does not automatically affect intelligence or emotional stability. Most people with epilepsy do not have cognitive or psychological disorders. Anxiety and depression can occur, but more often as a result of fear of crises and social stigma, rather than the disease itself. Therefore, the emotional support of family and environment is as important as medical therapy. What not to do during an epileptic seizure When an epileptic seizure occurs, the wrong reactions can be more dangerous than the seizure itself. The Epilepsy Foundation emphasizes that during a seizure you should not: restrain the person, put anything in the mouth (especially not fingers), try to stop the convulsions. The most important thing is to stay calm, protect the person from injury, turn them into the lateral position and stay by their side until the crisis is over. Seizures are usually short-lived and painless, although the person may feel tired, confused or have a headache afterwards. Bright light and seizures: a common myth Another common myth is that bright light always causes seizures. In reality, this only applies to a small percentage of people with photosensitive epilepsy, which accounts for about 5 percent of all cases. Most people with epilepsy have no reaction to light stimuli. As for women with epilepsy, pregnancy is possible, but requires increased medical supervision. Today, there are modern therapies that are safe for both mother and baby through careful planning and collaboration between the neurologist and gynecologist. Epilepsy is successfully treated – what to remember According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 70 percent of people with epilepsy can be completely seizure-free with the right therapy. For cases where medications do not work, there are other alternatives, such as surgical interventions, stimulation of the vagus nerve, and special dietary regimens. Epilepsy affects millions of people around the world, but knowledge, understanding and support make a huge difference. If there is a person with epilepsy in your family, accurate information is not only helpful – it is a sign of care, safety and love.

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