Common Misconceptions About Epilepsy Part 1

1. All Seizures are Tonic Clonic

• Tonic-clonic seizures occur in only about 25% of people with seizures.
• They are the most commonly shown in movies, TV, and other forms of media.
• Other types: absence, focal onset (impaired awareness), focal onset (aware), atonic, myoclonic, and tonic seizure.
• Epilepsy often isn’t an obstacle to reaching physical goals and achieving success.
• Frequent or severe seizures may require adjusting athletic activities.
• Activities involving climbing are not recommended; care must be taken with activities around water.

2. Seizures are Contagious

• Epilepsy is NOT contagious. You can’t get it from being around someone who has it.
• Epilepsy can be passed, not spread, at conception genetically from parent to child.

3. Don’t Talk About Having Epilepsy

• Don’t be ashamed of epilepsy. If you’re comfortable, speak up—let’s educate and break the stigma!
• It’s important to share with those you trust, so they understand how to support you if you have a seizure.

8. Epilepsy is Very Rare

• Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition.
• Epilepsy affects people of all ages.
• More people live with epilepsy than with autism spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy – combined.

Sources

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22788-tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure
• https://www.epilepsy.com/stories/debunking-epilepsy-misconceptions
• https://www.nyp.org/news/10-common-myths-about-childhood-epilepsy-debunked
• https://www.valleychildrens.org/blog/epilepsy-13-epilepsy-myths-busted