The Epilepsy Inequality
Krupali Chokshi
By: Krupali Chokshi
In the "Land of the Free" the concept of equality represents the foundation of our beliefs and what we stand for. We boast that “All Men are Created Equal” and claim to stand against unjust discrimination. We consider ourselves to be an educated society that is constantly developing and progressing for the greater good of humanity.
If this is the case, then how can certain serious diseases, such as Epilepsy, be so misunderstood and stigmatized? In the United States, Epilepsy affects 2.3 million Americans and about 65 million people worldwide. About 150,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Epilepsy each year and 1 in 3 Americans know someone who has the disease. Despite its prevalence, public awareness of the condition is extremely limited and shallow. It receives much less research funding than needed, and misconceptions about epilepsy often overshadow the truth.
What exactly is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that produces recurring seizures that impact a variety of mental and physical functions. The seizures occur when nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally and cause involuntary changes in a person’s consciousness, movements or actions. Epilepsy can be described as a “spectrum disorder” because the causes, seizure types, and severity levels can vary greatly from person to person.
It is unfortunate that today, epilepsy can greatly limit a person’s school achievements, job opportunities and life experiences in general. Many people mistakenly consider epilepsy and seizures as something they must fear, and that people with epilepsy cannot be valuable employees.
While there is medicine and treatment for the disease, more than a million people continue to have seizures, which often leaves them dealing with embarrassment, fear and low self-esteem. Those affected by epilepsy have found that hiding their condition saves them from the stigma associated with the condition, but this strategy only hinders treatment, making things worse.
Through The Humanology Project, we hope to eliminate the stigma associated with epilepsy by raising awareness through education. By gaining a holistic perspective on the disease, we can truly understand those affected by the condition and work towards being a healthier and happier society.
Resources
Baruchin, A. (2007, February 20). Battling Epilepsy and its Stigma. The New York Times. Retrieved September 21, 2013, from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/health/20epil.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&
CDC - Epilepsy - Basics - Public Health. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 21, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/basics/public_health.htm
The History and Stigma of Epilepsy - 2003 - Epilepsia - Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Wiley Online Library. Retrieved September 21, 2013, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1528-1157.44.s.6.2.x/pdf
Thomas, S. V., & Nair, A. (n.d.). Confronting the stigma of epilepsy. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved September 21, 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/