National Epilepsy Awareness Month (Authored By: Epilepsy Foundation Communications on Tuesday, October 15, 2024)

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

Join us for the National Epilepsy Walk at the National Mall on March 13, 2025, or another local walk around the country. Everyone who participates in the National Epilepsy Walk — by leading a team, donating, sponsoring the event, or volunteering — is making an impact for people with epilepsy. Help raise money to fund research, programs, and access to specialty care for people with epilepsy: Walk to END 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, To date, more than half the states have passed some form of Seizure Safe Schools legislation. Some states have mandates, while other states encourage or raise awareness about the need for Seizure Safe Schools. 

Invest in Research and Innovation 

Applications are now open for the 2025 Research Ambassador Program! This newly launched program will give 30 selected ambassadors an inside look at the full research process. Take a trip to Washington DC for our Research Ambassador Bootcamp. Explore ways to engage the community in research, address barriers to participation, and much more.

Learn about eligibility and how to apply for the 2025 Research Ambassador Program.

 

***TRK Medical Products will take a % of your purchase price for the month of November and donate that money to the Epilepsy Foundation.  To read about our story please go to www.trkmedicalproducts.com . Thank you for your support!***

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