February 11 marks another celebration of International Epilepsy Day.
A special event organised by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy to promote awareness of epilepsy in more than 120 countries each year.
On the second Monday of February, people come together to celebrate and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers.
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.
About sixty five million people around the world live with epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain activity becomes abnormal causing unprovoked and recurrent seizures.
Epilepsy can affect anyone, but it is most likely to affect children under 2 years of age and adults over 65 years. International Epilepsy Day seeks to raise awareness and educate the general public on the true facts about epilepsy.
The day also calls for all to advocate appropriate legislation that will guarantee human rights of people with epilepsy and encourages people with the condition to live to their fullest potential.
It also highlights the urgent need for improved treatment, better care, and greater investment in research.
Although epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest known medical conditions, it is poorly understood. Hence, public fear and misconceptions about epilepsy still persist, causing discrimination against people with the condition.