The Edo State chapter of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has joined the international community in the commemorating the 2025 International Epilepsy Day.
In a statement signed by Dr Irene Irenosen Akhideno and Dr Ugbeni Henrietta, President MWAN and Public Relation Officer of Edo 2023-2025 biennium respectively, enumerated the myths and facts about epilepsy, including steps to taken when someone suddenly develop epileptic seizure in their presence.
According to the statement which was developed with women medical experts, explains that people cannot be infected by epilepsy by touching or sharing personal items with an epilepsy patient.
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT EPILEPSY
MYTH 1:You can have epilepsy from touching, eating, drinking or sharing personal items with a person with epilepsy.
Fact 1: Epilepsy is not an infection. You cannot have epilepsy by touching or sharing personal items with a person with epilepsy.
MYTH 2: Epilepsy is inherited, so you don’t want to marry someone with epilepsy because your children might have it.
FACT 2: Not all cases of epilepsy are inherited as there are many other causes and those who have genes may need other influences from the environment for epilepsy to occur.
MYTH 3: Epilepsy is for life.
FACT 3: Not all cases of epilepsy are lifelong. Many cases of epilepsy can become stable. ‘Resolved Epilepsy’ is a person with epilepsy whose seizures have stopped and have been off seizure medicines for 10 years.
MYTH 4: You have to take the medicine for life.
Fact 4: It is not in all situations that seizure medicines are taken for life. Usually, the seizure medicines have to be taken for atleast 2 years and not had any seizures before the Doctor considers reducing or stopping the medicines. Other things are considered when the Doctor is taking the decision.
MYTH 5: When a person is having a seizure, you can put a spoon in the mouth or put them in fire.
FACT 5: Putting a spoon in the mouth can damage the teeth and block the airway, worsening the person’s condition.
Placing the person in fire can lead to burns and will not stop the seizure.
MYTH 6: Epilepsy is only seen in children.
FACT 6: Epilepsy can be seen at any age, depending on the cause.
MYTH 7: Women with epilepsy cannot get pregnant, have children or breastfeed.
FACT 7: Women with epilepsy can get pregnant, have children and breastfeed their babies. There are anti-seizure medicines that are safe in pregnancy and with breastfeeding.
MYTH 8: People with epilepsy cannot live a normal or meaningful life.
Fact 8 : People with epilepsy are human beings and can live their life to the fullest. There are many famous people with epilepsy.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO, IF A PERSON IS HAVING A SEIZURE IN FRONT OF YOU.
Lie them flat on a low surface or the ground to prevent falls.
Check their surroundings and remove harmful things that can cause injuries like sharp objects.
If wearing a tie or something around the neck, gently remove it.
Don’t put your fingers, objects, any herbs or liquids in the mouth.
Time the seizure, as most seizures will stop within few minutes on its own.