Both epilepsy and Parkinson's disease are neurological conditions — conditions that affect the brain and nervous system. Both are widely misunderstood, and both carry stigma that can be just as damaging as the condition itself. Here you will find clear, accurate, and accessible information.
Epilepsy
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures. Seizures happen when the brain's electrical signals suddenly become disrupted.
Types of Seizures
There are two main types of seizures:
- Convulsive seizures — easier to see; the body may shake, stiffen, or jerk.
- Non-convulsive seizures — harder to notice; a person may stare blankly, seem confused, stop responding, or appear to "switch off" for a short time.
Epilepsy is not contagious, not caused by witchcraft, and not a curse. It is a medical condition, and treatment can help many people live well.
Common Symptoms
Sudden shaking or stiffening; staring blankly or losing awareness; unusual arm or leg movements; confusion or tiredness after a seizure
What to Do During a Seizure
- Stay calm and keep the person safe.
- Move anything dangerous away from them.
- Do not hold them down.
- Do not put anything in their mouth.
- If you can, note how long the seizure lasts.
- When the seizure stops, turn them onto their side and stay with them until they recover.
Treatment
Antiseizure medication can control seizures for most people. Treatment should be started and monitored at a health facility. With the right care, many people with epilepsy live full, active, and productive lives.
Support and Services in Kenya
- County hospitals and health centres
- Neurology clinics (where available)
- Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for onward referral
- Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE): kawekenya.org
- International Bureau for Epilepsy Africa: epilepsyafrica.org
Parkinson's Disease (Ugonjwa wa Parkinson)
What Is Parkinson's?
Parkinson's is a condition that affects the brain and causes problems with movement and other body functions. It is not caused by ageing alone, it is not contagious, and it is not a mental illness. It is a medical condition, and treatment and support can help people manage their symptoms and live well.
Movement (Motor) Symptoms
Tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, stiffness, balance problems
Non-Movement (Non-Motor) Symptoms
Sleep problems, constipation, anxiety or low mood, memory or concentration difficulties
Treatment
- Medication that increases or supports dopamine in the brain
- Physiotherapy and exercise
- Speech and occupational therapy
- Regular follow-up at a health facility
Support and Services in Kenya
- County hospitals and health centres
- Neurology clinics (where available)
- Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for onward referral
- Parkinson's Support Group Kenya (PSGK): parkinsonkenya.co.ke
- Parkinson's Africa: parkinsonsafrica.org
- Kenya Parkinson's Care Network: parkinsonscarenetwork.org
- Africa Parkinson's Disease Foundation (APDF): africaparkinsons.org
Myth vs Fact
These are some of the most common misconceptions about epilepsy and Parkinson's disease — and the facts that challenge them.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is caused by witchcraft or curses.
Epilepsy is a medical condition caused by electrical activity in the brain. It has nothing to do with curses, spirits, or witchcraft.
You should put a spoon or stick in someone's mouth during a seizure.
This is dangerous and could cause choking or injury. Nothing should ever be put in the mouth of someone having a seizure.
People with epilepsy cannot live normal lives.
With treatment, many people with epilepsy live full, active, and productive lives.
Epilepsy is contagious.
Epilepsy cannot be passed from one person to another in any way.
People with epilepsy should not get married or have children.
Epilepsy does not stop someone from having relationships, getting married, or having healthy children.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's is caused by witchcraft or curses.
Parkinson's is a medical condition caused by changes in the brain. It has nothing to do with curses, witchcraft, or spirits.
Parkinson's is just a part of getting older.
Parkinson's becomes more common with age, but it is not a normal part of ageing. It is a neurological disorder that can also affect younger adults.
People with Parkinson's could control their shaking if they just tried harder.
Tremor in Parkinson's is involuntary. It cannot be stopped by willpower — it is caused by the brain not producing enough dopamine.
People with Parkinson's cannot live normal lives.
Many people with Parkinson's continue to work, socialise, exercise, and live active lives with the right treatment and support.
People with Parkinson's are just alcoholics.
Parkinson's has no link to alcohol use. The movement changes seen in Parkinson's are medical symptoms, not signs of drinking.