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Frequently Asked Questions On Epilepsy

SPORTS & RECREATION:

Q: Can persons with epilepsy participate in sports and leisure activities?

A: Sports and other types of recreation form an integral part of the daily activities of all young and not so young individuals. Here again a plethora of misbelieves and misconceptions exist. Most of the times, people are surprised to learn that most people with epilepsy can lead an active life. It should be remembered that a person with epilepsy is abnormal only during the ‘seizure’. Such people when not having seizures should be able to lead a life with normal physical and outdoor activities. It is important to know that regular exercise makes epileptic people feel good and builds their self-confidence. It also helps them to maintain body weight in normal range and takes care of a lot of depression that is often associated with a chronic problem like epilepsy. People with epilepsy may get a fit during a physical activity and even otherwise but it does not mean that something drastic will always happen at that time. Over reaction to a fit should always be avoided.

By sensible planning, most sports activities can be made safe for people with epilepsy. Each case must be dealt on individual merits and one should always plan for a realistic physical or recreational activity. Many factors like seizure type, frequency, and associated handicaps should be considered before deciding about sports and leisure activities in relation to persons with epilepsy. In general most sports and leisure activities like ball games, athletics, cycling, dancing etc can be safely undertaken by epileptic persons whose seizures are well controlled. Swimming can also be allowed under supervision of a competent observer. TV and Video games are also safe except in patients whose seizures are triggered on by moving lights. There is no special risk to epileptic persons while traveling. It is important that they should carry sufficient medicines with them and take the medicines at scheduled time. Flying in an airplane is also safe but the airlines staff should be told in advance if fits are not adequately controlled.

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Myths & Facts

Myth
Epilepsy is due to the effect of "evil spirits" or "supernatural powers". It is also a form of "madness". So, epilepsy should be treated by faith-healers, sorcerers (witch-craft) or in a
lunatic asylum.

Fact
Epilepsy is a disease of the brain. Hence, epilepsy should be treated by neurologists, epileptologists, physicians and paediatricians.


Myth
One should never touch a patient having a seizure in order to avoid the disease being passed on to you.

Fact
If a patient is having a seizure, he/she needs your help and care. Epilepsy cannot be passed on to others by touching the patient.


Myth
An epileptic seizure can be terminated by putting a key in the patient's hand or by making a patient smell onions or a dirty shoe.

Fact
None of these non-medical measures are of any use. Family members and teachers should be made aware of first-aid measures required during a seizure.


Myth
Children with epilepsy are dull and cannot learn. They should not be sent to school.

Fact
Children with epilepsy can be extremely intelligent. It is usually ignorance about various aspects of epilepsy that prevents parents from sending their children to school. Many times the teachers also have misconceptions and do not encourage children with epilepsy to attend school.


Myth
Treatment for epilepsy with modern medicines is ineffective and expensive.

Fact
"Seizures" or "fits" that occur in epilepsy can be completely controlled by using a single, inexpensive medicine in 60-70% patients. Another 15-20% patients can be helped by the use of new, but slightly expensive drugs. A few cases can be successfully treated with surgery. Epilepsy can even be cured in some cases.
The Brain

No Seizures & No Fits