**1. Introduction**

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by experiences of unprovoked seizures caused by synchronous or excessive neural activity [1]. An enduring predisposition characterizes it to seizures and results in neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences. People living with epilepsy (PLWE) experience altered sensations, behavior, and consciousness due to a discharge of nerve tissue on muscles. The misconceptions and ill understanding of epilepsy constitute the prevalence of epilepsy. The World Health Organization [2] shows that 70% of people living with epilepsy could live free of seizures due to effective scientific medication attained at a low cost. However, this is not so due to a lack of knowledge of the disorder. According to the World Health Organization [2], epilepsy does not get as much attention as it deserves from health practitioners and policymakers. There is a noticeable gap in

knowledge of epilepsy between African countries, European countries, Asian countries, and America. In the United Kingdom, a national survey collected shows very low stigma and knowledge satisfaction [3]. In Asia, although Karimi and Akbarian [4] show that PLWE have somewhat adequate knowledge about the disease, Thapa et al. [5] show inadequate knowledge in the general public. General awareness of the disease is not certain in Asia, especially because some believe sleep deprivation and certain drinks and foods trigger seizures [4].

In rural sub-Saharan African countries, there is a persistent prevalence of epileptic misconceptions [6], and this is supported by Kaddumukasa et al. [7] who reported among other things that epilepsy is considered a curse from God and is caused by witchcraft that PLWE are considered to be insane and should be isolated. A couple of studies done in African countries show how knowledgeable people in Africa are about epilepsy. Armah-Ansah et al. [8] state that although about 97.5% of people said to have heard about epilepsy, they still share negative attitudes toward it, resulting in isolation and stigma. In Ethiopia, 97% have never heard about epilepsy, 85.6% proved not knowledgeable about epilepsy, and 86.8% expressed a generally negative attitude toward epilepsy and PLWE [9]. These statistics are incomparable to the 5.9% who had never heard of epilepsy in Asia [5]. Kaddumukasa et al. [7] show that perceptions, stigma, and misconceptions about epilepsy are based on culture and wrong information taught. Besides an increased mortality rate, the ill information and knowledge on epilepsy bear fruit to several challenges experienced by PLWE, their families/caregivers, and those in close relationship with them.

In most cases, it is found that PLWE are excluded due to negative beliefs held by the general public. According to Kaddumukasa et al. [7], PLWE are excluded from community involvement. They are not allowed to play with other people as epilepsy is believed to be contagious, which adds to their isolation and segregation. This shows that PLWE, along with their families, are marginalized. In their study, Henok and Lamaro [9] show that 30% of their study's sample believe that PLWE should be isolated from society, and 40% said they are associated with PLWE and have their children isolated from any known person with epilepsy. As a means of precaution, their families put measures that isolate them. Along with forced social exclusion, PLWE isolates themselves because they feel ashamed and rejected.

A study revealed that people without the disease refuse to marry PLWE [7]. This results in a negative outlook on marriage from PLWE. How others view epilepsy and their attitude toward it causes great distress for PLWE. This results in interpersonal challenges, and they become impatient with other people expressing consistent general agitation [10]. Furthermore, the literature reveals that PLWE often experiences shame, which evokes guilt, grief, and anger [10–12]. Guilt often comes from the feelings of burdening others. For most, epilepsy leads to fear and anxiety [12].

In addition, PLWE generally experiences anxiety disorders and mood disorders. The weight of stigma, discrimination, and social limitation often leads to low selfesteem and depression, contributing to suicide. PLWE may not be able to perform day-to-day tasks, and they may also have physical injuries [13]. In addition, epilepsy can impact speech and add to language difficulties [14].

As a global crisis that affects over 50 million people and increasing due to new births, epilepsy implores intensive research, especially in low-middle-income countries. Countries in Africa show insufficient levels of knowledge mostly influenced by their traditional African culture and background compared to other countries, such as Europe and the United States of America, which do noy share the same beliefs [15]. It is evident that the level of knowledge that one has on epilepsy ultimately influences

*Perspective Chapter: Practical Approaches to Enhance Successful Lives among People Living… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106649*

their ideas about epilepsy, which contributes to their attitudes and behavior toward epilepsy and PLWE. In most cases, these attitudes and behaviors result in negative impacts as they result from ignorance and prejudice.

PLWE generally experience a low quality of life and are burdened with the effects the disorder has on their lives and the lives of those close to them. The root of this is insufficient fallacious knowledge and understanding of epilepsy. Misconceptions about epilepsy, stigma, and ill social coping mechanisms of PLWE may be due to a lack of accurate knowledge about epilepsy. PLWE experience social exclusion, anxiety, guilt, and embarrassment because of epilepsy. The lack of education and precise knowledge on epilepsy prolongs such psychological and social distress. In addition to these, misconceptions hinder prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment [16]. Misconceptions may be because community members are not open to talking about epilepsy. Epilepsy South Africa [17] shows that by the age of 20 years, 75% have already experienced their first seizure. This means that most people have their first seizure during their childhood. Murugupillai et al. [18] show that parents avoid talking about epilepsy with their children. This then promotes the misconceptions as they grow up believing in all that they come across in their life span.

Consequently, this is the start of stigma, and the spread of misconceptions about epilepsy as ideas about epilepsy are spontaneously made up upon experiencing the seizure or witnessing another young person having an epileptic seizure. Hence, this chapter aims to provide the challenges faced by PLWE, their needs, the immediate management of seizures, care, and support of PLWE to widen the understanding and provide practical approaches to promote a conducive environment for PLWE.
