The general public holds several misconceptions regarding epilepsy and seizures. People consider seizures to be chaotic, violent, and dramatic. They may also believe epilepsy is a rare, debilitating, and even fatal condition.
The misinformation around epilepsy is surprising, especially considering the prevalence and diverse nature of the condition. According to the CDC, in 2015, 1.2% of the US population—about 3.4 million people—had epilepsy.
Additionally, epilepsy manifests in several ways. Seizures differ in form and severity. While there are certainly cases of frightening and debilitating seizure events, seizures may also be benign. That is to say, having epilepsy or seizures doesn’t mean that one cannot live and enjoy a full and normal life.
This article will examine and dispel three common myths about epilepsy.
Why this matters
Though employees with epilepsy have legal protection against discrimination, stereotypes around their condition can have detrimental effects.
Not only can it lead to physical harm, but it can also lead to social stigma. It creates false ideas about the abilities of people with epilepsy, which can include stereotypes.
Many myths exist about the competency of people who have seizures and the kinds of jobs they can hold. By dispelling some of these rumors, we hope to establish more accessible workspaces for people with epilepsy.
Myth 1: People with epilepsy can’t work
A common misconception about epilepsy is that it is too debilitating for people with the condition to be able to work.
This is false. As noted by Epilepsy.com, many people with epilepsy can work and carry out their duties. And though employers cannot legally discriminate because of these stereotypes, this myth may lead them to dissuade potential employees from applying.
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) notes that, while previously debilitating, epilepsy is currently manageable. URMC states that “Today, with proper treatment, the vast majority of patients with seizure disorders live normal, productive lives."
This includes an individual's ability to maintain employment while having epilepsy. Thanks to medication and treatment options, people with epilepsy can work without fear that a seizure will disrupt their job performance.
Myth 2: People with epilepsy cannot work in high-stress jobs
This myth also plays into misconceptions about the debilitating nature of epilepsy. It implies that high-stress professions would trigger a seizure in an employee that has epilepsy.
This kind of stereotyping only serves to further marginalize people who have seizures. To return to Epilepsy.com, people with epilepsy work in various fields that could be considered “high risk.” These fields include law enforcement, firefighting, construction, welding, and many others.
In an interview with Medical News Today, neurologist Dr. Clifford Segil states that he has known fellow physicians with epilepsy and asserts that people who have seizures “can work when their seizures are controlled by medicine.” Though there are no cures for epilepsy, there are medications that can help people manage and mitigate their symptoms.
Myth 3: Lights always trigger seizures
Of the many myths about epilepsy, few are as pervasive as the one regarding strobe lights. The common misconception is that bright flashing lights always trigger seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
This myth has some basis in truth. Photosensitive epilepsy is one form of epilepsy. For individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, certain rates of flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns trigger seizures. An image has to flash at a rate of 3-30 hertz to trigger a photosensitive seizure.
Despite these truths, the myth about flashing lights and seizures is generally misleading. For one thing, photosensitive epilepsy isn’t that common. According to the Epilepsy Society, around 3% of people with epilepsy experience photosensitivity. Photosensitive epilepsy is also more common among young people. It's diagnosed less often in individuals over the age of 20.
The misunderstanding of photosensitive epilepsy, like these other myths, can marginalize people who have seizures. For example, potential employees with epilepsy may feel discouraged from applying for digital-based jobs. Employers may, in turn, hold biases based on their misconceptions of flashing lights and seizures.
As digital and remote employment becomes more prevalent, it’s never been more important to dispel this myth.
In conclusion
To keep workplaces accessible for people with seizures, dispelling myths about epilepsy is essential. By providing accurate information, we hope to lessen any stigma that potential employees with epilepsy may face.
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