LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith has issued a proclamation to raise awareness and promote understanding of the neurological disorder that affects millions of Americans.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, about 3.4 million people in the United States live with epilepsy, including roughly 456,000 children. The organization says education and awareness are vital to helping reduce the stigma that still surrounds the disorder.
Dr. Crystal Hall, regional director of the Epilepsy Foundation, said some long-standing misconceptions continue to harm how people perceive and respond to those with epilepsy. “One is that people living with epilepsy all have mental disabilities or mental health illnesses, and that’s not true,” Hall said. “Another stigma, unfortunately, is still to put something in their mouth when they’re having a seizure, and that’s not true. And lastly, another one is that someone with epilepsy is contagious, and that is not true.”
The foundation encourages the public to learn more about epilepsy, its symptoms, and how to properly respond when someone has a seizure. More information can be found online at epilepsy.com.
