India's Epilepsy Myths Cause More Harm Than Seizures

Across India, common yet dangerous first aid myths about epilepsy seizures are causing more harm than the medical events themselves. When someone has a seizure, panic often leads to harmful interventions like restraining the person or forcing objects into their mouth. This is based on misconceptions that a person will swallow their tongue or that movement needs to be controlled.

However, these actions cause serious injuries, including torn muscles, dislocated joints, and broken teeth. Seizure movements are involuntary and cannot be stopped by force. Furthermore, the tongue cannot be swallowed; the risk is biting it, which is usually minor. Pouring water or increasing restraint does not help, as most seizures resolve on their own within one to two minutes.

Correct seizure first aid emphasizes staying calm, moving harmful objects away, placing something soft under the head, and timing the seizure. Gently turning the person on their side afterward aids recovery. These simple, respectful measures protect dignity and prevent preventable injuries that hospitals regularly treat.

Epilepsy still carries stigma in India, and lack of proper first aid knowledge perpetuates these harmful myths. Promoting accurate information, particularly through school health programs, is crucial to fostering a compassionate and informed approach to epilepsy care. International Epilepsy Day serves as a reminder to widely share this life-saving message.