Epileptics at higher risk of facing discrimination due to health problems

Epileptics at higher risk of facing discrimination due to health problems
People with epilepsy are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing discrimination.

The researchers found that people with epilepsy were sevenfold more likely to have reported experiencing discrimination due to health problems than the general population without epilepsy. ‘This paper demonstrates that despite all of the advances made over the last 100 years, the experience of discrimination continues to be a significant problem for people with epilepsy,’ first author of the study Victoria Nimmo-Smith from University of Bristol said.The roots of epilepsy have been traced as far as 3000 years ago. Because of its disturbing and dramatic features, back then epilepsy was feared and was thought to be a result of some sort of supernatural force or evil influence. Today we are in the 21st century, yet people with epilepsy are not free from the social stigma, discrimination and isolation. In many rural parts of the country, it is still believed that people with epilepsy are mentally challenged and cannot be treated or lead a normal life. Women with epilepsy face problems in getting married because of the belief that they cannot have children or if they do their children will also be affected.

(Read: World Epilepsy Day 2012: Top myths about epilepsy busted) (Also read: New method to detect epilepsy symptoms early in kids)

Source: IANS

Image: Shutterstock

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

Previous Article

New gene therapy may check spread of breast cancer

Next Article

World Alzhiemer's Day: India count 3.7 million with Alzheimer's to be doubled by 2030