Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that has been around for thousands of years, yet there are still many misconceptions about it. (1 in 26 people have it!) In this series we will explore all things epilepsy such as myths, what to do during a seizure, options to treat seizures other than medication, and so much more. One common myth about epilepsy is that you may swallow your tongue during a seizure. You may bite your tongue, but you won’t ever swallow it. Due to this myth, many people try to put something in the person’s mouth during a seizure.Doing that is more harm than help. Another myth is that epilepsy is contagious. Epilepsy is not a cold, it is a chronic brain condition consisting of bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Many people think having one seizure means they have epilepsy when in reality the condition is diagnosed when someone experiences two or more unprovoked seizures. Knowledge of seizure first aid is an important tool in case someone around you has a seizure. During a seizure, it is important to immediately start timing, clear the area around the person,cushion their head, and turn them on their side so their airway is clear and they don’t choke on spit or vomit. It is essential to time the seizure due to the “five minute rule”. The “five minute rule” means if a person is having a seizure and it lasts more than five minutes, call 911. The longer a seizure is, the more likely brain damage will occur. Many times, it is assumed 911 should be called for every seizure a person has. The only time it is necessary to call is if it is their first seizure,they exceed the five minute rule, or they are status epilepticus ( prolonged seizure or repeated seizures without recovery). Status epilepticus is a very serious, life-threatening neurological disorder. It may manifest in all different seizure types, so it is important to always be alert. If someone has just had their first seizure, it is necessary to know the etiology ( cause/origin). Seizures and epilepsy may result from a number of things such as brain damage, tumors, stroke, head injury, infections such as viral encephalitis, meningitis, AIDS, high fever, drug reaction or withdrawal, poisons, electrolyte imbalance, or a genetic abnormality that runs in families (and were the lucky one that got it!) Considering all these possible factors, we’re fortunate it’s not more than 1 in 26 people with epilepsy.
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