Myths about epilepsy

Myth: If someone is having a seizure, you should put something in their mouth to stop them from swallowing their tongue

NO! NEVER put anything into a person's mouth while they are having a seizure. It is a myth that someone might 'swallow their tongue', and you might risk damaging their teeth, or getting your finger bitten if you try to open their mouth during the seizure.  Furthermore, NEVER try to restrain someone having a seizure.   The vast majority of seizures are 'self-limiting', that is, they will stop by themselves.  Some people may be confused following a seizure, and may react aggressively if they are being restricted or restrained. See the first aid in epilepsy section of this website for correct information on how to respond to a seizure.

Myth: If you don't shake, it's not epilepsy

There are many different types of epileptic seizure.  The convulsive seizure, or tonic-clonic seizure (which used to be called 'grand mal') is only one type.  Absences (which used to be known as 'petit mal') are just a brief lapse in awareness, with no fall and no shaking.  Other types of seizure may cause the person to fall, but not shake, or to adopt strange postures or odd behaviour.

Myth: People with epilepsy cannot drive

Many people with epilepsy can, in fact, drive. When someone first has a seizure they are required to relinquish their driving licence, but once they have been seizure free for a year they can apply to the DVLA for their licence to be re-issued. Providing all the normal requirements are fulfilled, the application will usually be granted. A licence may also be re-issued to people with continuing active epilepsy providing their seizures have only occurred during sleep for the last three years.  If getting to work becomes a problem due to the loss of a driving licence, the Employment Service's 'Access to Work' scheme may be able to provide assistance.

Myth: People with epilepsy cannot use computers

The majority of people with epilepsy can use computers, including many with photosensitive epilepsy. Photosensitive epilepsy is a relatively rare condition, in which people's seizures may be triggered by certain frequencies of flashing lights, strong visual patterns or other visual stimuli. It affects less than five per cent of people with epilepsy, but is known to be slightly higher in young people (up to around seven per cent). Whether someone with epilepsy is 'photosensitive' can be picked up during routine EEG tests. However, even if someone with epilepsy is found to be photosensitive they will often still be able to use computers as the 'flicker' rate of most modern computer screens does not usually trigger seizures.

 
Myth: People with epilepsy cannot drink alcohol

The occasional alcoholic drink will cause no problems for most people taking anti-epileptic medication, however, alcohol can make some anti-epileptic drugs less effective. Over-indulgence in alcohol has been shown to cause seizures in some people, and some will find they are more prone to seizures in the 'hang-over period'.

 
Myth: Women with epilepsy should not have children

Most women who have epilepsy and take anti-epileptic medication have normal pregnancies and a healthy baby. However, women and their partners should discuss their plans to start a family with their consultant, GP or epilepsy nurse, preferably before conception, in order that any necessary adjustments in medication that may be advisable can be made appropriately and in a controlled manner. Higher dose folic acid supplements are advised before conception and during the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy.

We are indebited to the National Society for Epilepsy for their help in compiling this section.