Attitudes to Epilepsy

Epilepsy has been recognised for many hundreds of years.

In ancient times people with epilepsy were thought of as possessed and treated with suspicion. A hundred years ago people with epilepsy were locked up in mental hospitals because it was thought that epilepsy was contagious.

Even today, the stigma still exists in some countries, and it is only by raising current awareness that we will help dispel the myths surrounding this disease. As with most illnesses people are scared by what they don't understand. By educating people about epilepsy we can show that seizures are nothing to be feared.

Things are improving: Scientific discoveries have led to our understanding about how the brain works, and the development of medicines that can help control seizures.

We hope, in the future, that everybody with epilepsy will be treated with respect and understanding and be given the opportunity to fulfil their ambitions - just the same as everybody else.

Did you know?

• Epilepsy affects people of any age, sex, race, social class or nationality.
• Many people with epilepsy can achieve complete control of their seizures by taking anti-epileptic medication.
• In addition, a few people with epilepsy may notice that certain things trigger their seizures (e.g. not getting enough sleep). They may be able to avoid some seizures happening by recognising these triggers and taking steps to control them.