This National Epilepsy Awareness Month, let’s fight back for the funding needed, draw awareness to the systemic challenges faced by those of us with Epilepsy, and educate each other.
In this article, we address questions like:
What is Epilepsy
Why dedicate a month to Epilepsy Awareness?
What happens during National Epilepsy Awareness Month?
How can the public participate in National Epilepsy Awareness Month?
Where can I get more information about Epilepsy?
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, temporary disturbances in brain activity. It can be caused by genetics, brain injury, stroke, or infection, and sometimes the cause is unknown.
The individual may experience dramatic convulsions and even loss of consciousness, while milder attacks look more like staring spells or twitching. Medication can often manage seizures brought on by epilepsy.
Why dedicate a month to Epilepsy Awareness?
Public understanding of epilepsy is often limited, and people are wary of what they don't understand. To normalize epilepsy, to provide the public with education around assisting in the event they witness an epileptic experience, and to ensure that proper funds are in place for medical science research, the U.S. Congress established the awareness month in 2003. This move built on a tradition started by the Epilepsy Foundation in 1969.
What happens during National Epilepsy Awareness Month?
During this month, various organizations hold events to share information on topics like seizure first aid and how to create a more seizure-safe environment. They push for legislation that increases funding for epilepsy research instead of decreasing it.
How can the public participate in National Epilepsy Awareness Month?
Step 1:
Wear purple, the color associated with epilepsy awareness. If someone isn't wearing purple, ask them why not? This gives you a chance to discuss the reason behind your lavender aura.
Step 2:
Educate others by sharing facts and personal stories on social media, at school, or in your community. If you don't have a personal story, share someone else's with permission. Many people share their experiences on social media platforms using hashtags like #MyEpilepsyJourney.
Step 3:
Learn seizure first aid.
Check out Epilepsy.com for free online courses, first aid guides, and other educational materials for both the general public and healthcare providers. There's a learning portal that offers on-demand and instructor-led courses, including a specific Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification.
Step 4:
Share resources and information with others. SHARE SHARE SHARE!
Step 5:
Participate in or organize local events, such as epilepsy walks or awareness day. The more people in purple during the march, the more heads will turn and the more minds will be educated.
Step 6:
Tell Congress Epilepsy needs funding.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying a potential epilepsy treatment had their work put on hold when the NIH paused new grants per orders from the White House. This pause jeopardized a decade's worth of work for a possible major breakthrough in epilepsy treatment and left researchers facing the prospect of laying off staff. Dozens of NIH grants were also frozen at UCLA including studies focused on epilepsy.
Where can I get more information about Epilepsy?
To learn more about seizures and epilepsy syndromes, see:
Want to support more work like this? Explore Abilty Central’s homepage and consider a donation.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
