Epilepsy Awareness Around the World

 

We welcome all initiatives that promote epilepsy awareness and support the notion that there can be many domestic or international epilepsy awareness days!

Since 1969, the Epilepsy Foundation has celebrated November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Over the years, other organizations have joined the Foundation in that month-long recognition. In 2003, Congress passed a formal resolution declaring November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.

In 2015, the international community, led by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), announced the creation of International Epilepsy Day on the second Monday of February each year. As a full voting member of IBE, the Epilepsy Foundation supports and participates in International Epilepsy Day.

Other organizations recognize additional days or periods of time for special epilepsy and seizure awareness initiatives. For example,

  • International SCN8A Awareness Day on February 9 - Ajude o Rafa, The Cute Syndrome Foundation, and Wishes for Elliott seek to inform affected families about available resources and educate the public about SCN8A epilepsy (a rare, genetic epilepsy). The day's lead organizations join the Epilepsy Foundation as members of the Rare Epilepsy Network (REN).
  • Rare Disease Day on the last day of February - EURODIS (Rare Diseases Europe) organizes a day each year to raise awareness about rare diseases and their impact on people's lives. Several types of epilepsy are rare and can be devastating for families.
  • KCNQ2 Awareness Week from March 1-7 - the KCNQ2 Cure Alliance dedicates a week to raising awareness, education, and advocacy for the international community affected by KCNQ2 Epilepsy, a rare epilepsy syndrome.
  • Brain Awareness Week (BAW) during the second week in March - Founded in 1996 by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives (DABI) and the European Dana Alliance for the Brain (EDAB), BAW is coordinated by The Dana Foundation. This global campaign seeks to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.
  • Purple Day® on March 26 - the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia and The Anita Kaufmann Foundation encourage the epilepsy community to raise awareness by wearing purple on this day.
  • CDKL5 Awareness Day on June 17 - In 2009, the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research became a non-profit organization dedicated to funding ground-breaking research. They have also established CDKL5 Centers of Excellence across the United States. 
  • SynGap1 Awareness Day on June 21 - Bridge the Gap – SYNGAP Education and Research Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve, educate and fund research for families coping with the effects of SYNGAP1 mutations. The date reflects that this rare gene mutation occurs on Chromosome 6 at position 21.32 of the p arm. This gene mutation leads to intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe. Other symptoms of SynGap1 are epilepsy, Autism spectrum disorder, oral motor/sensory issues, and low muscle tone.
  • International Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day on June 23 - the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, a REN member, leads efforts in the U.S. to raise awareness about Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic form of epilepsy.
  • SUDEP Awareness Day on October 23 - the U.K.'s SUDEP Action leads the international epilepsy community in recognizing and raising awareness about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The Epilepsy Foundation actively participates in this special day through the SUDEP Institute
  • International LGS Awareness Day on November 1 - the LGS Foundation leads efforts in the U.S. to raise awareness about Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare epilepsy
  • Infantile Spasms Awareness Week during the first week of December The Child Neurology Foundation and its partners organize awareness efforts about infantile spasms

Each effort is designed to raise awareness, end fear, fight discrimination, and show support for people impacted by epilepsy and seizures.

"We appreciate everyone`s efforts and think epilepsy awareness should happen every day!"

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.