Why I dislike the term "fit"

The debate between using the term “fit” or “seizure” is a hot topic currently, both in the epilepsy community and the medical world. What is the correct way to describe an “epileptic episode”?

I recently read an article that said a large percentage of Drs used the word “fit” instead of seizure. Not going to lie this made me a little bit sad. Many people with epilepsy dislike the term “fit”, myself included, and spend time educating and encouraging people to use the correct terms, only to have those in the medical profession let us down and use the (in my opinion) somewhat derogatory term.

From a personal perspective I do not like the term “fit” and here is why.

I feel it downplays the seriousness of a seizure. When I was a child if myself or my sister threw a strop, my dad would refer to us as “having a fit” or “having a hissy fit”. In other words, we were having a tantrum because we couldn’t have what we wanted. I am sure we have all seen a toddler throw themselves down on the floor in the middle of the supermarket and have a tantrum because they can’t have a bag of sweets, a new toy or raid the pick n mix stand. While these little “hissy fits” are embarrassing, they are short lived, and no harm is going to come to little Betsy while she rolls around on the floor, other than her clothes may get a little dusty and she is probably going to end up with a snotty nose that will most likely end up getting wiped on your new jumper. In the case of a seizure, or “fit” the outcome can be far more dangerous than dusty clothes. Let’s not forget seizures can be fatal and in the very least painful, they can not be rectified or made better with a lollypop and the recovery time is longer than a cuddle. Some even require medical intervention.

I also feel the term “has fits” downplays the seriousness of epilepsy itself and the impact the condition has on the lives of those that live with it. Epilepsy is not easy to live with. Seizures are not easy to deal with. Epilepsy and seizures make life difficult daily, regardless of whether you are seizure free or not. Describing those with epilepsy as having fits is like saying a person has a cold, not the most devastating of illnesses to have and something that can easily be made better with a bit of rest and a Lemsip.

Very little offends me in relation to my epilepsy. I don’t mind being called epileptic instead of a person with epilepsy and I don’t get offended when people ask me awkward questions because they don’t understand my condition. I do however, feel offended when people, particularly medical professionals, refer to my seizures (and the things which have turned my life upside down) as “fits”.

I would encourage everyone, particularly those in the medical profession, to consider the feelings of those living with the condition when deciding which terminology to use. Let’s be honest, you wouldn’t refer to a leg amputee as “legless” would you. Respect and understanding goes a long way in this world. I hope the medical world finds theirs.