Common myths and the facts
Epilepsy is caused by curses, witchcraft or evil spirits.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder. Seizures come from unusual electrical activity in the brain — they're not a sign that someone is cursed or possessed.
Epilepsy is contagious.
It isn't. You can't catch epilepsy by touching, hugging, or helping someone through a seizure.
A person with epilepsy can't live a successful life.
Many people with epilepsy study, work, marry, raise families, and contribute fully to their communities. It affects everyone differently, but a diagnosis isn't a verdict on someone's potential.
Epilepsy means someone is mentally ill or dangerous.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder. Having a seizure doesn't mean a person is insane or a danger to others.
Epilepsy can't be treated.
Effective treatments exist, and many people reach good seizure control. The real barrier in many places is access — to diagnosis, medicines, and specialist care.
Put something in the person's mouth during a seizure.
Don't. Nothing goes in the mouth — no objects, food, water, or medicine. A person can't swallow their tongue, and anything placed in the mouth risks injury.
Every seizure looks like falling and shaking.
Seizures take many forms. Some involve only brief changes in awareness, sensation, behavior, or movement, and can be easy to miss.
Once seizures stop, it's fine to stop medication.
Any change to medication should go through a healthcare professional. Stopping suddenly can raise seizure risk for some people.