Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh recently opened up about her battle with epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes seizures, in the latest episode on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, 'All About Her'.
During the conversation, the actor revealed that she experienced an epileptic seizure while shooting for the blockbuster film Dangal. The incident caused her to lose consciousness and left her deeply shaken.
Fatima shared that the episode was frightening and confusing for her at the time. “I have no memory. I just remember having a lot of fear and passing out,” she said on the podcast.
By speaking about her experience, the actor hopes to raise awareness about epilepsy and encourage open conversations about neurological health.
Emotional challenges
The podcast episode also highlighted the emotional and social struggles that people with epilepsy often face. Fatima explained that misinformation and fear about seizures can lead to stigma, making many individuals feel isolated or misunderstood. She stressed that greater awareness and empathy are essential to creating supportive communities. Educating society about the condition can help create safer and more inclusive environments.
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Fatima Sana Shaikh has previously spoken openly about her health journey, including her struggles with epilepsy and bulimia. In this episode, she opens up about the moment she first discovered her condition, the challenges of navigating it while working in the film industry, and how she eventually learned to understand and manage her triggers.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The severity and frequency of seizures can vary from person to person.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several types of epilepsy. In some cases, the cause can be identified, while in others it remains unknown.
Most people with epilepsy can manage their seizures through medication or, in some cases, surgery. Some individuals require lifelong treatment, while others may eventually stop having seizures. In certain cases, children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition as they age.
Symptoms of epileptic seizures
Seizure symptoms can vary depending on the type of epilepsy. Common signs include:
- Short-term confusion
- Staring spells
- Stiff muscles
- Jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Psychological sensations such as fear, anxiety, or déjà vu
Hyderabad-based neurologist, Dr Sudhir Kumar, explains the dos and don'ts to be followed when one is experiencing a seizure.
What to do:
• Stay calm and protect the person from injury
• Gently turn them onto their side (recovery position)
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck
• Remove nearby hard or sharp objects
• Time the seizure
What NOT to do:
• Do not force anything into the person’s mouth
• Do not try to restrain their movements
Seek emergency help if:
• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• Another seizure follows immediately
• The person is injured or not waking up after the seizure
For proper diagnosis or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.