Myths about brain and movement disorders
When discussing brain and nervous system disorders, many might think such conditions are mainly associated with seniors. When examining the terms used to describe these conditions, such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and tics, along with symptoms such as twitching, seizures, spasms, and tremors, it is clear that these conditions can impact people of any gender or age. There are numerous beliefs about treatments or related symptoms circulating online. But which of these beliefs are true? Today, we will clarify these puzzles with answers from our neurologists. Let us dive in.
1. Is it true that being unable to move while conscious is a sign of demonic possession?
The answer: This belief is false. The condition has nothing to do with supernatural phenomena such as being 'possessed by a demon.' It is explainable scientifically. This condition occurs when the sleep-wake cycle overlaps, causing you to become conscious while the brain is still asleep. During this time, the brain continues to inhibit muscle movement to prevent us from acting out our dreams or thoughts, leading to the sensation of being awake but unable to move. This medical condition is called sleep paralysis, which can occur before falling asleep or waking up, typically lasting no more than 10 minutes.
2. Is it true that dreaming of falling from a height is a sign of being watched by a spirit?
The answer: This notion is also incorrect. Like sleep paralysis, abruptly waking up from a dream of falling from a height is medically termed a hypnic jerk. It entails a sensation of being jerked or falling from a height, often triggered by stress, insufficient sleep, and anxiety.
3. Is it true that it is necessary to pry open with a spoon the mouth of a patient having a seizure to prevent tongue biting?
The answer: No, it is not. Putting a spoon or hard object into the mouth could be more dangerous than beneficial. There is a risk that the spoon could become lodged in the airway, and the inserted fingers might be bitten and injured.
4. Is it true the twitching right eye signals an unfavorable omen while the left eye predicts good luck?
The answer: No, it is not. Eye twitching is caused by a temporary eyelid muscle spasm, medically known as eyelid twitching. Stress, inadequate rest, dry eyes, prolonged exposure to electronic screens, and consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages can trigger the condition, which typically resolves on its own within a few weeks.
5. Is it true that Botox injections can treat eye twitching?
The answer: It is true. Botox injections into the spastic or twitching eye muscles can be an effective treatment. However, it is not the first recommended course of action for eye twitching. It may be appropriate if the condition persists despite avoiding triggering behaviors and taking medications.
6. Is it true that one who did not experience seizures as a child would not have them as an adult?
The answer: No, it is false. Seizures can occur at any age. Some people may have seizures in childhood that disappear as they age, while others may be symptom-free in childhood and develop them as adults. Generally, childhood epilepsy has specific causes, such as high fever, accidents, genetic disorders, or brain tumors.
7. Is it true that flashing lights in a movie scene can affect epileptic individuals?
The answer: Yes, it is. Flashing or strobe lights can trigger seizures in individuals with certain types of epilepsy, such as primary generalized epilepsy (originating from both sides of the brain simultaneously) or occipital lobe epilepsy (originating from the back of the brain).
8. Is it true that swearing while having involuntary twitches is a sign of a brain disorder?
The answer: It is true. The condition is called tic, a type of movement disorder where individuals may exhibit eyebrow-raising, eye blinking, nose twitching, shoulder shrugging, head jerking, or vocal tics, which can include swearing. A tic is a symptom of Tourette syndrome. Tics can be due to imbalances in brain neurotransmitters influenced by genetic or environmental factors. Treatment for tics focuses on behavioral modification and medication to restore neurotransmitter balance.
9. Is it true that frequent seizures lead to more brain damage?
The answer: It is true. During seizures, electrical impulses from a primary brain seizure focus spread to other areas, potentially causing further damage. Frequent or prolonged seizures can negatively impact cognitive function and intelligence.
10. Is it true that hand tremor is a specific sign of Parkinson's disease?
The answer: No, it is not. Although hand tremor is common in Parkinson's disease, it can be present in other conditions such as anxiety, excitement, hunger, fever, infections, thyrotoxicosis, dystonia, and unexplained muscle spasms, as well as reactions to certain medications or substances.
11. Is it true that a concoction of lemongrass and peppermint can cure epilepsy?
The answer: No, it is false. Lemongrass and peppermint have no proven medicinal effect against epilepsy. Medical treatment for epilepsy primarily involves medication and lifestyle adjustments to avoid triggers like sleep deprivation and caffeine. If antiepileptic medications are ineffective, doctors may consider surgical excision of the seizure focus.
Based on the clarifications provided by our neurologists, many of them are inaccurate. Having received precise information from our experts, we encourage you to distribute it extensively. In case of any concerns or questions about brain and neurological disorders, feel free to contact the Neurology Clinic at MedPark Hospital.