If you’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy or worry that you have it, the internet might be bombarding you with bogus rumors and false info. TikTok, ChatGPT and social media are full of advice — and not all of it is accurate.
Sorting epilepsy facts from fiction can be frustrating, especially when it comes to symptoms, triggers and possible ways you can treat or prevent epileptic seizures.
Antoaneta Balabanov, MD, is a neurologist at Rush who specializes in treating epilepsy. She has a few facts that will help you learn the truth about the biggest epilepsy rumors you've seen on the internet.
Taking a cold plunge is not good for epilepsy
You’re probably familiar with the trend of cold plunges, also known as ice baths or cold-water immersion, sometimes shortened to CWI.
As you may have guessed, the basic idea is that people submerge themselves in cold water, usually at or below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They stay in the water for a short period at first, often under a minute, then gradually work up to staying in for up to a few minutes at a time.
Cold plunges have grown in popularity lately because they have shown some evidence of providing health benefits. For example, they may help improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
But Balabanov warns against this fad for folks who have epileptic seizures. “Cold baths can pose risks for individuals with epilepsy,” she says. “The sudden cold exposure may trigger seizures in some patients.”
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can lead to seizures for people with epilepsy. So it’s best to avoid this trend.
Nosebleeds are not a common sign of epilepsy
If you get frequent nosebleeds, you may worry that you have a serious medical issue. A quick Google search of conditions that cause nosebleeds will give results that range from allergies to injuries to bleeding disorders.
But when it comes to epilepsy, nosebleeds are not a usual symptom. In fact, they are most often caused by much more common, treatable problems.
“Nosebleeds are not a typical sign of epilepsy,” Balabanov says. “They can result from various factors, including dry air, allergies or nasal trauma.”
But if you’ve started taking certain medications for epilepsy, you may start to have more nosebleeds.
“Certain medications used to treat epilepsy may increase the risk of bleeding due to side effects from decreased platelet count,” Balabanov says.
Tai Chi can be good for epilepsy
Tai Chi originated in ancient China as a martial art. In modern times, it’s growing popular as a form of mind-body exercise.
It involves slow, low-impact movements that aren’t too strenuous, which adds to its appeal for a wide variety of people. And it can boost health in ways that extend to those who have epileptic seizures.
“Tai Chi can be beneficial for individuals with epilepsy,” Balabanov says. “It promotes relaxation, reduces stress and improves balance and coordination. These benefits may help in managing seizure triggers related to stress and anxiety.”
Tiredness and sleep deprivation can trigger epileptic seizures
Not getting enough sleep can make anyone cranky, unfocused and sluggish. But tiredness can also affect the whole body and worsen many medical conditions, especially if you’re sleep deprived for a long time.
Epilepsy is no exception. Tiredness can worsen anxiety and stress, which may lead to seizures.
“Sleep deprivation is a known trigger for seizures in people with epilepsy,” Balabanov says. “Lack of sleep can increase cortical excitability and reduce inhibitory brain activity, making seizures more likely.”
She advises that adults with epilepsy aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. And if you have trouble sleeping for a long time, it might be a good idea to see a doctor.
“Working with a sleep specialist may be beneficial when insomnia or other sleep disorders are present,” Balabanov says.
You may be able to drive with epilepsy
Some people who have epilepsy worry that they can’t safely or legally drive a car. But all states allow people with epilepsy to drive so long as they meet certain requirements.
States in the U.S. differ when it comes to specific regulations. So you will need to check your local laws.
In most states, you need to go without having any seizures for a certain amount of time, usually from three to 12 months. You may need to submit an evaluation from your physician when you get your license.
Some states require you to keep submitting medical reports from time to time for as long as you have the license.
"To be eligible to drive, a patient must be seizure-free for a period of time as required by state regulations and must not experience medication side effects that could impair their ability to drive safely,” Balabanov says.
Some children outgrow epilepsy
While epilepsy isn’t a “curable” condition, some children who have it can outgrow it. Their seizures may slow down or completely stop in adulthood.
“Some children with epilepsy may experience a reduction or cessation of seizures as they age, particularly if their epilepsy is related to childhood-onset epilepsy syndromes,” Balabanov says.
But this is not true for every pediatric case of epilepsy. It’s still important for children with the condition to see a specialist so they can keep an eye out for and treat seizures.
“Ongoing management may be necessary,” Balabanov says. “Regular follow-ups with a health care provider are essential to monitor the condition.”
Epilepsy is linked to genetics
Some medical issues have a strong tie to genetics. That means that if a closely blood-related family member of yours has one of these conditions, you may be more likely to have it.
Epilepsy is one of those conditions.
“Approximately 20 to 30 percent of epilepsy cases have a genetic component,” Balabanov says. “Having a first-degree relative with epilepsy increases the likelihood of developing the condition in certain epilepsy syndromes, including childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+).”
Balabanov recommends working with genetic specialists who can counsel patients and their families through genetic testing. They can make sure to discuss the implications of any tests in advance.
Epilepsy can cause memory loss
People who have epilepsy can have trouble with memory — and not just remembering the events around and during a seizure. It can impact long-term memory too.
“Epilepsy can affect memory due to factors such as seizure activity, medication side effects and underlying brain abnormalities,” Balabanov says.
To reduce or prevent memory issues, she recommends people with epilepsy do the following:
- Seek professional treatment to get seizures under control
- Avoid medications that have known cognitive side effects
- Manage stress
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise
If you need treatment for epilepsy or suspect you have it and would like to get tested, call Rush at (888) 352-7874. A care coordinator will help you find the services you need. You can also learn more on our Epilepsy Care page.
