Epilepsy and Seizures Empowered Support Group

29/12/2025

17/12/2025

This is a very common fear and myth, and sadly women face it much more than men, especially from husbands, in-laws, or boyfriends.
Truth about epilepsy and children

Epilepsy is NOT usually inherited

Most epilepsy patients do NOT pass it to their children

Only a small percentage of epilepsy types have a genetic link

Even if there is a genetic tendency, it does not mean the child will definitely get epilepsy

In simple words:
👉 Having epilepsy does NOT mean your children will have epilepsy

Why women face this question more

Society unfairly puts blame on women’s health

Lack of medical awareness

Fear of “family name” and future generations

Deep-rooted stigma around epilepsy

Men’s epilepsy is often ignored, women’s epilepsy is questioned

So yes, women are questioned more, judged more, and pressured more — even though science does not support these fears.

Important medical facts

Many people with epilepsy have healthy children

Pregnancy in epilepsy is safe with medical supervision

Doctors do not discourage marriage or motherhood for epilepsy patients

Modern medicines control seizures very well

Reality vs myth

Myth: Epilepsy always passes to children
Reality: Mostly it does NOT

Myth: Epilepsy woman should not marry
Reality: She can marry, work, and become a mother

Myth: Children will be “abnormal”
Reality: Children are usually completely normal

Emotional truth

This question hurts because it:

Makes women feel guilty

Creates fear in relationships

Is used to control or reject women

But remember:
Epilepsy is a medical condition, not a curse, not a character flaw, and not a woman’s fault.

15/12/2025

03/12/2025

December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a call to open our hearts.
A reminder that every life has value, every story deserves respect, and every person has the right to be seen, heard, and protected.

May we work toward a world where no one is left behind, where disabilities are met with love instead of judgment, and where understanding becomes our greatest strength. 🙏💙

29/11/2025

Our Organisation is called *Epilepsy and Seizures Empowered Support Group.* Our purpose is to spread awareness on epilepsy and seizure first aid, as well as to cure the stigma and negative misconceptions surrounding the condition. We do this through educational awareness programs, workshops.
Recently we partook in Ingutsheni Psychiatric hospital's Christmas party. It's an annual event we do every November monthend for patients living there. Ingutsheni is Zimbabwe's Psychiatric referral hospital. Some patients have been left there by relatives for years. Treatment is free. So is accommodation. In the current tough economy, much donation is needed to assist the patients to get by. Epilepsy and Seizures Empowered Support Group is part of the group : FRIENDS OF INGUTSHENI. We partook in the donations, cooking and serving patients. They were overjoyed. It was a special day for them and an honour for us also to give back to the community.

23/11/2025

Chelsey was born with a rare condition known as Sturge-Weber syndrome. The neurological disorder means she has a large port wine stain birthmark, as well as a glaucoma in her eye.

Chelsey’s condition has led to her undergoing multiple surgeries, including one on her brain, where surgeons removed the occipital lobe so Chelsey would stop having seizures as a child. Doctors told her parents that she had 50% chance of living - and 50% chance of mental instability if she did survive. Chelsey faced difficulties in her childhood, as she was targeted for her physical differences - but now happy with her own loving family, Chelsey is proving her bullies wrong: "I am perfectly comfortable with how I look now. I'm sorry if some people aren't." ❤️

22/11/2025

10/11/2025

Epilepsy is associated with a higher divorce rate due to social stigma, discrimination, and challenges related to managing the condition. Factors contributing to divorce include uncontrolled seizures, psychiatric comorbidities, and an earlier onset of the condition. For some, hiding epilepsy before marriage can lead to divorce if seizures occur after marriage, but studies show hiding the condition does not necessarily lower divorce rates and is associated with poor outcomes. Open communication about epilepsy with a spouse is crucial for marital success.
Factors contributing to divorce

Social stigma: Many societies carry negative attitudes, myths, and misconceptions about epilepsy, which can lead to discrimination and marital problems.

Clinical aspects: Poorly controlled seizures, psychiatric comorbidities, and a longer duration of the condition are linked to a higher risk of divorce.

Disclosure: While some believe hiding a diagnosis can help, studies indicate it can lead to poor marital outcomes.

Gender: Women with epilepsy may face unique challenges, including higher rates of marital problems and divorce compared to men with epilepsy.

Arranged marriages: Hiding epilepsy during arranged marital negotiations is a risk factor for divorce, particularly in some cultures where it is prevalent

10/11/2025