National Epilepsy Awareness Month

 

Sharing facts about epilepsy helps raise awareness and stop stigma surrounding seizures. By educating the public, we can promote understanding and encourage support for individuals living with epilepsy. Knowledge empowers communities to provide better care, offer assistance during seizures, and create a more inclusive and compassionate environment. We've compiled some facts about epilepsy and seizures for you to share on social media or with your friends and family to help them learn more. 

  • 1 in 10 people will have a seizure and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.  

  • There are 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States; 470,000 of them are children. 

  • Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect any one of us regardless of race, age, or gender.  

  • Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Not all seizures are the same. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure. 

  • Misunderstanding and misinformation about seizures contribute to continued feelings of stigmatization and negative outcomes for people with epilepsy.1 

  • People with epilepsy may experience "felt" stigma, which leads to shame about their condition and fear of discrimination if they talk about it.2 

  • Felt stigma was linked to higher seizure frequency, younger age at epilepsy onset or longer duration, lack of knowledge about epilepsy, and younger age.5

  • Felt stigma can reduce the quality of life even when seizures are well controlled.6 

References: Epilepsy & Behavior 2015 1, Epilepsia 2007 2, Epilepsia 2022 5, Epilepsy & Behavior 2021 6  

Epilepsy affects everyone, everywhere. Here's how we continue to help the epilepsy community: 

Provide Programs and Education 

From live On-Demand certification courses to 30-minute basic steps training, our seizure first aid program educates the public on approved procedures for recognizing seizures and responding to someone having a seizure.  

Raise Awareness and Funds

There are many Walk to END EPILEPSY® events throughout the country focused on raising awareness and at least $1.5M combined to fund research, programs, and access to specialty care for people with epilepsy. 

Advocate 

Our Seizure Safe Schools nationwide initiative calls for state legislation for school personnel to have appropriate training and policies to support students living with epilepsy and seizures; to date, 19 states have passed legislation. 

Invest in Research and Innovation 

The Shark Tank Competition is one of several initiatives that advance the development and commercialization of the most promising ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy; since 2012, the Epilepsy Foundation has distributed $1.65M to 33 Shark Tank winners.

Authored By:

Epilepsy Foundation Communications

on Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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.