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Epilepsy and social stigma: Why is this disease so often misunderstood?
Epilepsy is a group of non-communicable neurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures are clinical manifestations of abnormal, excessive and synchronized electrical activity in neurons of the brain. According to the definition of the International Epilepsy League, epilepsy is diagnosed when two or more unprovoked seizures occur. A single seizure may also suggest a diagnosis of epilepsy, based on the likelihood that it will recur. Seizures vary in type, from brief, barely noticeable periods to prolonged periods of large tremors due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These attacks may result in direct physical injury, such as broken bones, or in accidents caused by the attack. Seizures often occur repeatedly and may have no detectable underlying cause.
Social stigma surrounding epilepsy often stems from fear and ignorance of its symptoms, leaving many people with epilepsy facing discrimination and isolation.
The way people with epilepsy are treated varies greatly around the world, partly due to differences in sociocultural contexts. According to WHO research, approximately 69% of epilepsy cases can be controlled with medication, while for others who do not respond to drugs, surgery or other treatments may be needed. As society's understanding of epilepsy increases, the quality of life of some patients has significantly improved, but there are still cases where they are affected by social prejudice.
Epilepsy causes and symptoms
The underlying causes of epilepsy are quite complex. In many cases, the cause of epilepsy remains unknown; however, some known causes, such as brain damage, stroke, and brain tumors, can lead to epileptic seizures. According to data, in 60% of epilepsy cases, the cause cannot be identified, which makes it more difficult to treat and help patients.
The symptoms of epilepsy include convulsions, loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, etc. The intensity of these reactions varies from person to person and often makes people feel uneasy and fearful.
Epileptic seizures can take many forms, including generalized and partial seizures. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain, usually with loss of consciousness, while focal seizures may affect a specific area of the brain. The diversity of these symptoms has exacerbated society’s misunderstanding and fear of epilepsy, causing patients to often be discriminated against in interpersonal interactions.
Societal stigma against epilepsy
People with epilepsy often face social stigma that can impact their quality of life. For example, in many countries, people with epilepsy face resistance and rejection when applying for jobs and in social situations. Such prejudice not only puts patients under psychological pressure, but also affects their family and community relationships.
Misunderstandings about epilepsy often make patients feel lonely, helpless, and even fearful, which has a serious impact on their physical and mental health.
According to statistics, about 30% of epilepsy patients will feel anxiety and depression due to social disorders. It is widely believed in the medical community that the stigma surrounding epilepsy seriously affects patients' performance in education, career and interpersonal relationships, and leads to social isolation.
Improving the living conditions of people with epilepsy
Improving the quality of life of people with epilepsy requires efforts from the whole society, including strengthening awareness and education about epilepsy. Eliminating stigma and misconceptions about epilepsy through education can help the general public understand the realities of epilepsy and the challenges that people with the disease face.
Through community support and the delivery of correct information, we can help people with epilepsy regain their confidence and integrate into society.
In addition to social support, epilepsy patients themselves also need to understand their condition and actively participate in treatment. Seeking counseling and community support is also crucial for building resilience in epilepsy patients affected by their cancer status. Continuous medical support and an open social environment can make people with epilepsy more confident to face the challenges in life.
Facing the challenges of the future
Although epilepsy is a long-term condition, with the advancement of medicine and the improvement of social awareness, many patients' epileptic seizures are well controlled, and laws and policies in many places are also improving support for people with epilepsy. The challenge for the future is how to further eliminate social stigma against epilepsy so that all patients can have equal life opportunities and social support.
Can we help build a friendlier society where people with epilepsy are not misunderstood and excluded?
