For six years, 24-year-old Manju* had been suffering from seizures. Her family had taken her to a traditional healer, who said she was possessed by a demon. She was given a metal ring to keep the demon away. When this did not stop the seizures, she was taken to another magician who tied a ‘holy thread’ around her wrists and neck. The seizures continued unabated.
Finally, on the advice of a neighbour, Manju was taken to a doctor who referred her to a neurologist. After consultations and tests, Manju was diagnosed with epilepsy. Once she began the prescribed medication, the seizures were controlled. Manju is now happily married and the mother of two children.
This case illustrates how epilepsy is seen in India. Epilepsy is the name for a group of brain disorders characterised by fits that occur when recurrent episodes of brain dysfunction, with simultaneous discharge of brain cell, lead to alteration in motor or sensory activity.
Epilepsy has many causes. In some cases, the condition is inherited; but it is mostly caused by brain damage due to infection, trauma, stroke, tumour or developmental abnormalities. Often the cause remains unknown. Unfortunately, given the fear and misunderstanding surrounding this disease, patients often face social stigma and discrimination. Here are a few myths and facts about epilepsy.
Myth : Epilepsy is the result of possession by evil spirits. The treatment is to exorcise such spirits through faith healers or alternative therapies.
Reality : Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is treated with medication. The patients should be taken to a qualified doctor.
Myth : An epileptic attack can be stopped by making the patient smell an onion or branding the skin with a hot needle or iron rod.
Reality : Such methods only cause more injury and do not help the patient.
Myth : If you touch an epileptic patient during a seizure, the disorder will pass to you.
Reality : Epilepsy is not contagious and does not spread by touch.
Myth : Epilepsy brings stigma to the family, so the patient should be hidden.
Reality : Epilepsy is a treatable disease just like diabetes or hypertension. There is no reason to hide an epileptic patient. Ensure that they get timely treatment and that they take their medication regularly.
Myth : Epilepsy is a form of madness and the patient needs to be admitted in an asylum.
Reality : Epilepsy is the disorder of brain function. So it should be treated by a neurologist.
Myth : People with epilepsy cannot marry nor have children.
Reality : As long as the patient takes his/her medication and does not hide the condition, there is no reason why he/she cannot marry or have children.
Myth : Children who have seizures should not be sent to school.
Reality : Most children who have epilepsy are intelligent. In some cases, there may be some co-existent retardation but that is due to an abnormality in the brain. Again, as long as the child takes the medication regularly, he/she can go to school.
Myth : Wearing a metal ring, talisman or offering animal sacrifices will prevent seizures.
Reality : Nothing can prevent seizures except antiepileptic medication.
Despite various efforts across the world to create awareness about epilepsy, a lot of misinformation still persists. This prevents patients from seeking proper medical treatment. We need more awareness programmes that will reiterate that epilepsy is a disease like any other and that people with epilepsy are no different from others.
(* name changed)
Dr. M.A. Aleem is a consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist based in Tiruchi.
