Myth #1: You will swallow your tongue during a seizure.
Fact: Actually, it’s impossible to swallow your tongue during a seizure.
Myth #2: If someone is having a seizure, you should put something into their mouth to prevent them from choking.
Fact: Never put anything in a person’s mouth who is having a seizure. This could end up hurting the person more. Instead, gently roll the person onto one side and put something soft under his or her head and wait by their side until they become conscious.
Myth #3: You should restrain someone having a seizure.
Fact: Never hold down a person during a seizure. Holding someone down can cause a bone or muscular injury. Instead, make sure the surrounding area is clear of objects and their head is padded with something soft.
Myth #4: Epilepsy is contagious.
Fact: You are not able to catch epilepsy from another person.
Myth #5: During a seizure, the person is in pain.
Fact: During a seizure, a person is unconscious and doesn’t experience any pain. However, some people may have muscle aches and can be tired after a prolonged seizure.
Myth #6: People with epilepsy are mentally ill or intellectually/developmentally disabled.
Fact: Epilepsy, mental illness and intellectual disabilities are all conditions that affect the brain. However if a person has epilepsy, it does not mean they have an intellectual disability or a mental illness. A person’s ability to learn can be affected by the frequency and power of their seizure activity. Overall, a person with epilepsy tends to have the same degree of intelligence as a non-epileptic person.
Myth #7: People with epilepsy are disabled and not able to work.
Fact: Most people with epilepsy are not disabled and are able to have rewarding careers. Each individual is different.
Myth #8: People with epilepsy shouldn’t have jobs with responsibility and stress.
Fact: Epilepsy is a non-discriminatory condition. People of all walks of life and at all ages experience seizures. People with seizure disorders can have successful careers in many different professions.
Source: Epilepsy Association
