The Taiwan Epilepsy Association (TEA) yesterday said it would keep trying to dispel public misconceptions about the condition, as it celebrated 12 years of raising awareness and helping people with epilepsy.
"Epilepsy is not contagious. It is a brain malfunction that could be caused by trauma, such as a car accident, encephalitis, or a stroke, although 40 percent of cases are idiopathic," said Marshal Hsih (施茂雄), the founder and honorary director of association.
Estimates for the number of epileptics in Taiwan vary wildly, from 50,000 to 20,000, Hsih said, adding that he started the association "because epilepsy was terribly misunderstood by the public, including patients and their families."
"With modern medication, we can achieve 80 percent control of the condition," he added.
Chiu Hui-chih's (丘慧芝) brother has been epileptic since he suffered meningitis at an early age.
"We try to include him in as many family outings as possible," Chiu said. "Too many epileptic patients are hidden away from view by their families."
"When my brother has an episode on the MRT, people either recoil or act as if they are in a bubble," Chiu said. "The way most people look on, as if they don't see, is really hurtful."
Wu Shiao-yu (巫紹瑜), an English-language major at Taipei's Shih Chien University, was chosen as the association's model epileptic, because of her positive attitude and her determination not to let the condition get in the way of life.
"Epilepsy never held me back," Wu said. "My parents helped by not worrying too much about me. I take my medicine every day, and my epilepsy is under control."
Wu was an active participant in several clubs and student activities at her university. She only suffered one episode during her college career thus far, when she changed medicine and was under a lot of stress.
"If I find a boyfriend, I will introduce him to my doctor before I introduce him to my parents," Wu joked. "But I will not hide my condition."
Misconceptions and fear about epilepsy have a real impact on patients lives, especially when it comes from a parent, members of the association said.
"My ex-husband is in denial about my daughter's condition," Oung Chih-hui (
Oung said that when her nine-year-old epileptic daughter visits her father, he withholds her medication and instead follows the superstition of pasting pieces of paper inscribed with charms around his house in an attempt to ward off evil spirits.
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