Myths....

I was approached a the parade this morning, asked about our sweatshirts. When I explained that Emma had Epilepsy, the older man that had asked, said he was going to be move "because I don't want to catch it"

Epilepsy is not contagious.

It seems ridiculous to me to have to write those words. Cancer is not contagious, cerebral palsy is not contagious. Epilepsy is not contagious.

Epilepsy has been noted throughout history. During the time of the witch hunts, one book was quoted to say that "one of the signs of a Witch, is seizures"

At various times throughout history, people with Epilepsy were shunned, locked up, and sent to mental institutions. It has been thought that seizures were caused by witchcraft, insanity, possession, and even masturbation! Seems ridiculous, but thankfully, most of that is in the past.

Most of it.

Some myths can be associated with what to do if you see a person experiencing a seizure.

The tongue CAN NOT be swallowed. Do NOT force anything into the persons mouth, this can cause more damage.

Another still is that people with Epilepsy are intellectually impaired. I assure you, most are not. While Emma's Epilepsy is causing her to have a few developmental delays, it's nothing she can't catch up on once we get her seizures controlled. People with Epilepsy come in all ranges of abilities and intelligence, just like everyone else in the world.

Epilepsy is NOT a mental disorder. Plain and simple.

Another still, is that people with Epilepsy look different.

This my friends.......

.....Is what Epilepsy looks like.

This is the face of Epilepsy.