The epilepsy specialists at Memorial Hermann Mischer Neurosciences have diagnosed and treated 10,000+ patients with epilepsy over the last three years. Although epilepsy is not rare, it is largely misunderstood. Here are the ten common myths our affiliated specialists regularly encounter.
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder, affecting over three million Americans and 65 million people worldwide. In six of 10 cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. Known causes include head injury, a brain infection, stroke, brain tumor, Alzheimer’s disease, malformation of an area of the brain and/or genetic factors.
A seizure occurs when there is brief disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain. One in 10 people will suffer from a seizure at some point in their life. However, a single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurring seizures.
There are many types of seizures characterized by differing symptoms, including motor symptoms (jerking movements or muscles becoming weak or limp, tense or rigid, twitching or spasms) and non-motor symptoms (staring spells, changes in sensation, emotions, thinking or cognition or lack of movement).
Of the millions of Americans living with epilepsy, only about 3% are photosensitive. This type of epilepsy is more common in children and adolescents and becomes less frequent with age. Seizure triggers vary from person to person and may include sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol or drug use, fever or illness, hormonal changes, nutrition or use of certain medications.
Two out of 3 people with epilepsy can be seizure-free with medication. For the rest, surgery to remove the abnormal part of the brain causing the seizures can provide freedom from seizures. These individuals should be evaluated thoroughly by an epilepsy specialist.
There is actually no risk of a person swallowing his or her own tongue. If someone experiences a convulsive seizure, do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Instead, calmly help them lie down. Clear the area so they are safe. If possible, put something soft under their head. Stay with them until they are fully alert and oriented. If the active seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if they do not wake up after the shaking has stopped, call 911 immediately.
Although most people with epilepsy live full and healthy lives, each year about 1 in 1,000 dies of a condition known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP. SUDEP is the leading cause of death in people with uncontrolled seizures. Although the cause is unknown, the best way to reduce the risk of SUDEP is to avoid seizure triggers, including sleep deprivation, stress and alcohol; take prescribed medications; and seek ongoing care from an epilepsy specialist.
In 2018, the FDA approved the use of a prescription drug containing a purified form of the drug substance cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of seizures associated with rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy, specifically Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD purchased in a store or online may contain harmful impurities, and even the pharmacological CBD has many potential side effects and drug interactions. Always consult with an epilepsy specialist before adopting any treatment regimen.
The Texas State driving law states that one must be seizure-free for at least 3 months to be able to drive. Even if the seizures are “small,” if there is any momentary loss of awareness with the seizures, it’s unsafe to drive. Just seconds of interrupted attention during driving can result in significant accidents. Please protect yourself and those living in your community by not driving if you are not seizure-free.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that results from abnormal electrical activity of the brain, and it is not a psychiatric disease; however, many people who have epilepsy also have concurrent depression and anxiety. There is stigma around the unpredictability of seizures and the fear of discrimination, which in turn affects the quality of life of people with epilepsy.
For over a decade, Memorial Hermann Mischer Neurosciences has been at the forefront of epilepsy research and treatment. Our affiliated epileptologists are board-certified neurologists with fellowship training in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. As part of a comprehensive team of renowned specialists, they develop individualized treatment plans to help patients become seizure-free.
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