Abstract
Epilepsy is an ancient disease, which has fascinated and frightened scientists and laymen alike. Before the working knowledge of the central nervous system, seizures were shrouded in mystery. In antiquity, this disease was accredited to gods and demonic possession, causing those with epilepsy to be feared and isolated. Epilepsy patients continued to face discrimination through the mid-20th century. This discrimination ranged from lack of access to health insurance, jobs, and marriage equality to forced sterilizations. Despite the strides that have been made, there are still many misconceptions globally regarding epilepsy. Studies show that patients with epilepsy in communities that understand the pathology and cause of seizures are generally more successful in social and educational environments. While there has been progress, there is more work which needs to be done to educate people across the globe about the pathology of epilepsy.
Highlights
BackgroundEpilepsy as defined by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is a disease of the brain that results in at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart
A person may be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have one unprovoked seizure and have a high chance (>60%) of having another seizure within the 10 years or if they have an epilepsy syndrome [1]
Epilepsy is a disease historically associated with evil spirits and mystery, and still to this day often carries social stigmas [2]
Summary
Epilepsy as defined by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is a disease of the brain that results in at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Often, those with epilepsy tend to be more isolated than those without, resulting in diminished well-being. A similar effect was observed in urban secondary schools in northern India, where the more knowledgeable students were about epilepsy, the less discrimination students with this condition face [33] These studies (and beyond) indicate that the more that is known about epilepsy and what causes it, the better patients with the disease are incorporated into society, and outcomes and seizure management improve. These modern advancements in the treatment of epilepsy have undoubtedly helped patients with epilepsy live a more normal life
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