A stereotype is people with epilepsy have brain damage or will suffer from brain damage do to the seizure activity. The truth is that epilepsy and brain damage are not synonymous. Epilepsy can cause an interruption of cognitive functioning, it's usually temporary, especially with seizures short in duration. Seizures that happen frequently can have an effect on the brain which can damage brain cells.The intelligence scale is the same for people epilepsy as it is for the rest of the population. Untreated seizures can sometimes cause cognitive delay development, but the delays would be secondary to Seizure activity. Another belief is people with epilepsy are aggressive, the truth is some seizures can cause aggression, for the most part they are no more aggressive than anyone else. Throughout history people believed epilepsy was caused by evil spirits. They also tended to believe that is was a form of mental illness , when in fact they are not related in any way. Almost 60% of people can be treated and after periods of time , have their disorder go away. Truth is people with epilepsy can lead normal lives with the right medical treatment, whether it be diet or medication and a positive outlook on life (#12)".
The reality of having epilepsy is you have to take medication daily to help prevent seizure activity. If you experience more than two seizures in a month the Dr may up your medication. Sometimes the Dr feels the necessity to change medications for the better and has to wean you off one while starting the other and this could take up to two months. You may feel embarrassed if you have a seizure in front of friends, as you have no recollection of what happens during a seizure. A child should never be told he/she can't do something and should be treated like any other child. Children and adults with epilepsy can live perfectly normal lives, some may have limitations on certain activities.
