Monday, January 12th 2026
Dos and Don’ts When Someone Experiences an Epileptic Seizure
If you have someone in your family diagnosed with epilepsy, the most important thing to know is that this disease is, in a large number 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 myths about it
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, but it is neither mental nor contagious. 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, incorrect reactions and stigma deeply rooted 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” for 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 the family and the environment is as important as medical therapy.
What should never be done during an epileptic seizure
When an epileptic seizure occurs, the wrong reactions can be more dangerous than the seizure itself. The Epilepsy Foundation points out that during a seizure you should not:
put anything in the mouth (especially not your fingers),
The most important thing is to stay calm, protect the person from injury, turn them to their side and stay close to them until the seizure is over. Seizures are usually short-lived and painless, although after them the person may feel tired, confused or have a headache.
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 the 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 medication doesn’t work, there are other options, such as surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, and special dietary regimens.
Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, but knowledge, understanding, and support make a tremendous 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.
Source: prizrenpost
