Epilepsy Facts and Myths

When many people think of epilepsy, they think of uncontrollable seizures. They may assume people with epilepsy can’t have a regular job, go to a regular school, or drive a car because of their condition.

“The truth is, most people with epilepsy live very normal lives, just like people who don’t have epilepsy,” explains Rani Sarkis, MD, MSc, a neurologist and epilepsy specialist with the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Sarkis cares for patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Below, Dr. Sarkis debunks some epilepsy myths by answering common questions related to the condition.
 

Is epilepsy contagious?

No, epilepsy isn’t contagious like the common cold or flu. Epilepsy is a brain disorder that affects people of all ages, races, sexes, and ethnic backgrounds. You can’t “catch” epilepsy from someone else.

However, epilepsy can be genetic. You may have a higher chance of developing the condition if you have a family history of epilepsy. Even if your parents don’t have it, you may develop epilepsy because of a change in one of your genes — the unique code that makes each of us who we are. A gene change could make you more likely to have seizures.

“Epilepsy can develop at any age, and we don’t always know the cause,” says Dr. Sarkis. Some possible causes of epilepsy include:

• Brain infections
• Genetic causes
• Head trauma, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Brain tumors

Is epilepsy a mental illness?

Epilepsy is not a mental illness. It’s a brain disorder that can affect anyone regardless of their mental health, just like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

In some cases, epilepsy can contribute to developmental delays in children if they have uncontrolled seizures at a young age. Epilepsy can also affect memory and attention spans. 

While living with epilepsy can cause challenges that affect your mental health, this is separate from the condition itself. It’s common for people with epilepsy to also have depression or anxiety. If someone you know has epilepsy and would like support, their epilepsy care team can connect them to the care they need.
 

Is epilepsy a disability?

Epilepsy isn’t a disability on its own, but the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considers someone with epilepsy to have a disability if it significantly affects a major aspect of their life, like their ability to work. Most people with epilepsy are able to live normal lives with the help of their care team to get their seizures and any medication side effects under control.

Some cases of epilepsy may qualify for disability benefits. Your symptoms must affect your ability to work for a certain period of time, even if you’re taking the medication your care team prescribed.

Can people with epilepsy drive?

People with epilepsy can drive in certain situations, when their seizures are under control.

In the U.S., each state has different laws that decide if people with medical conditions like epilepsy can drive. This is to avoid someone having a seizure while driving and causing damage or hurting themselves or others.

States usually require that someone with epilepsy has been seizure-free for a certain length of time before they can drive. The person might also need to share a report from their doctor, possibly throughout the time they have a driver’s license.

Can people with epilepsy have kids or work a regular job?

Yes, people with epilepsy can absolutely have children and often work many different types of jobs.

“Since stress is a common seizure trigger, some may think that people with epilepsy can’t handle having kids or a regular job,” Dr. Sarkis explains. “This is not true. They’re often able to find the right medication to control their seizures and find healthy ways to manage stress.”

People with epilepsy work in many different professions. There are certain jobs people with epilepsy may not be able to do because of safety concerns, like flying a plane. However, companies can make accommodations for people with epilepsy to do their jobs if needed.

Many people with epilepsy also have children. Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with epilepsy can choose to become pregnant. Their epilepsy care team helps keep their seizures under control before and during pregnancy to prevent complications. The team can also guide any necessary medication changes before pregnancy, since some medications can increase the risk of birth defects. They can also discuss with their team if they have a higher chance of passing epilepsy on to their child. Epilepsy also shouldn’t prevent women from being able to breastfeed.

Can a child with epilepsy go to a normal school?

Yes, most children with epilepsy go to school. They get good grades and participate in activities just like children who don’t have epilepsy, but they may experience more challenges.

If you’re a parent of a child with epilepsy, you can let the school and your child’s teacher know about their condition. This helps make sure they know what to do if your child has a seizure or needs to take their medication at school. They can also provide accommodations for your child if needed.
 

Can you swallow your tongue during a seizure?

No — it’s impossible to swallow your own tongue, even during a seizure. “This is a common epilepsy myth, but your tongue is attached to the bottom of your mouth,” says Dr. Sarkis. “It’s physically impossible to swallow it.”

Some people may worry that a person’s tongue could block their airway while they’re having a seizure. This is also not possible. You shouldn’t give mouth-to-mouth (CPR) to someone during a seizure.
 

Should you put something in someone’s mouth during a seizure?

If someone is having a seizure, don’t put anything in their mouth. This could hurt their teeth, gums, or jaw, or they could accidentally swallow the object. You also shouldn’t try to hold them down, as this could hurt them or you.

Most seizures last a few seconds or minutes. Here’s what you can do to help if someone is having a seizure:

• Carefully ease them onto the floor or ground.
• Lay them on their side.
• Remove any clothing or jewelry that may injure them or restrict their breathing.
• Clear the area of people and things.
• Find something soft to put under their head.
• Stay with them until the seizure is over. Once they’re feeling back to normal, call a friend or family member of theirs, or a taxi or rideshare service, to pick them up and make sure they get home safely.

Can epilepsy be cured?

Epilepsy can’t be completely cured, but with the help of your care team, you can get your seizures under control. Many people with epilepsy live full lives. They can even become seizure-free with treatment like medication.

“Anti-seizure medication is usually how we treat epilepsy. But there are many different types of medication, and each may have different side effects,” Dr. Sarkis explains. “It can take some time to find the one that works best for you. Lifestyle changes can also reduce your seizure risk.”

In some cases, medication doesn’t control epileptic seizures. Brain surgery is another option you can discuss with your care team.

Reducing epilepsy myths and stigma

The Epilepsy Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer educational resources that help people understand epilepsy and dispel common myths. 

“Stigma surrounding epilepsy is a very real thing,” says Dr. Sarkis. “Many people with epilepsy, or people with loved ones who have epilepsy, feel more awareness is needed. Talking about it is an important first step.”