International Epilepsy Day 2025: Raising Awareness and Supporting Those Affected

With nearly 50 million people worldwide living with epilepsy – representing approximately 0.6% of the global population – making it one of the most common neurological disorders. Despite this, misconceptions and stigma continue to surround the condition. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, up to 70% of people with epilepsy can live seizure-free. However, lack of awareness and access to medical care prevent many from receiving the treatment they need. Observed annually, International Epilepsy Day serves as a vital platform to raise awareness, educate the public, and foster a more inclusive approach toward epilepsy. This blog delves into the significance of the day, offers insights into epilepsy, debunks common myths, and highlights the challenges faced by those living with the condition. Before exploring these aspects, let’s first understand the history and purpose of this global awareness day.

History and Significance of International Epilepsy Day

Launched in 2015, International Epilepsy Day is the result of a collaborative effort between the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). These global organisations work toward supporting individuals with epilepsy while advocating for increased awareness and the elimination of stigma surrounding the condition.

Celebrated on the second Monday of February each year, the day aims to unite individuals, organisations, and communities in a shared effort to increase understanding and offer support for those living with epilepsy. Through global campaigns and events, the day highlights the importance of early diagnosis, better treatment, and improved access to care for people affected by epilepsy.

The significance of International Epilepsy Day extends beyond awareness-raising. It plays a crucial role in advocating for policy changes, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that individuals with epilepsy are supported both medically and socially. By involving various organisations and communities, the day serves as a reminder that greater collaboration is needed to ensure people with epilepsy are better understood and given the care they deserve.

Understanding Epilepsy: Types, Causes and Symptoms

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes repeated, unprovoked seizures. Seizures occur when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, affecting how the brain functions. While epilepsy can be diagnosed at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in children and older adults.

Types of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is an umbrella term for a group of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures vary in type and severity, depending on the form of epilepsy:

• Generalised Seizures: Affect both sides of the brain, causing loss of consciousness and body-wide symptoms.
• Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand mal): Sudden muscle stiffness, jerking movements, and loss of consciousness.
• Absence Seizures (Petit mal): Brief staring spells, mostly in children.
• Myoclonic Seizures: Quick, sudden muscle jerks.
• Atonic Seizures (Drop attacks): Sudden loss of muscle strength, causing falls.
• Focal Seizures: Start in one part of the brain and may affect awareness.
• Focal Aware Seizures: Person stays conscious but experiences unusual sensations like tingling or twitching.
• Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures: Cause confusion, strange behaviors, or repetitive movements.
• Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME): Common in teens, with quick muscle jerks, especially after waking up.
• Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A common type of focal epilepsy, often causing unusual feelings, memory problems, or repetitive movements.
• Infantile Spasms: Sudden body spasms in babies, usually in clusters, requiring early treatment.
• Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Severe epilepsy with multiple seizure types and developmental delays, usually starting in childhood.
• Reflex Epilepsy: Triggered by specific stimuli like flashing lights or loud sounds.

Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, though in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Some potential causes include:

• Genetics: A family history of epilepsy may increase the risk of developing the condition.
• Brain Injury: Head trauma from accidents or injuries can lead to brain damage and trigger epilepsy.
• Infections: Conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis, which cause inflammation of the brain, can lead to epilepsy.
• Stroke or Brain Tumours: Disruptions in the blood supply to the brain can result in seizures.
• Developmental Disorders: Some neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy or autism, may be linked to epilepsy.
• Idiopathic Causes: In many cases, no clear cause can be identified, and the epilepsy may be classified as idiopathic (of unknown origin).

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Seizures are the hallmark symptom of epilepsy, but their manifestation varies based on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden jerking movements in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
• Loss of consciousness or awareness during a seizure, leading to confusion or unresponsiveness.
• Staring spells or brief periods where the individual is unresponsive or appears to be daydreaming.
• Odd sensations, such as tingling, deja vu, or a feeling of fear or anxiety.
• Post-seizure confusion: After a seizure, an individual may experience confusion, drowsiness, or memory loss.

It’s important to remember that not all seizures involve convulsions. Some people may experience only subtle signs or sensations, which can make the condition harder to diagnose.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Epilepsy

Despite being a well-known condition, epilepsy is surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions. These misunderstandings contribute to the stigma faced by people with epilepsy and can lead to unnecessary fear and discrimination. Here are some common myths and the facts that debunk them:

Myth 1: Epilepsy is a Mental Illness

Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While some individuals with epilepsy may experience coexisting mental health conditions, epilepsy itself is not a psychiatric disorder. People with epilepsy can have normal cognitive abilities and emotional well-being.

Myth 2: People with Epilepsy Cannot Lead Normal Lives

Fact: With proper treatment and management, many people with epilepsy lead fulfilling, active lives. They can work, attend school, and engage in social and recreational activities, just like anyone else. Epilepsy management varies for each person, but with the right care, individuals can maintain a high quality of life.

Myth 3: Epilepsy is Contagious

Fact: Epilepsy is not contagious. It is a neurological condition that cannot be spread from one person to another. Seizures are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and are not a result of infection or contact with others.

Myth 4: Seizures Always Involve Convulsions

Fact: Not all seizures involve convulsions. Epilepsy can cause a range of seizure types, including those that do not involve shaking or jerking movements. For example, absence seizures cause brief lapses in awareness, while focal seizures may result in unusual sensations or movements in one part of the body.

Myth 5: Epilepsy is Caused by Sin or Punishment

Fact: This is an outdated and harmful misconception. Epilepsy is a medical condition with various causes, including genetics, brain injuries, infections, or other neurological conditions. It is not a punishment or a result of personal actions.

Myth 6: People with Epilepsy Should Avoid Physical Activity

Fact: Physical activity is important for overall health, even for individuals with epilepsy. Exercise can help improve physical fitness and well-being. However, people with epilepsy should work with their healthcare providers to determine which activities are safe based on their specific condition and seizure control.

Myth 7: Epilepsy Only Affects Children

Fact: Epilepsy can affect people of all ages. While it is commonly diagnosed in childhood, it can develop at any point in life, including in older adults. The causes of epilepsy may differ based on age, but it is not restricted to one age group.

Myth 8: You Should Put Something in the Mouth of Someone Having a Seizure

Fact: One of the most dangerous myths is the belief that you should put an object in the mouth of someone having a seizure. This can cause injury. The correct action is to ensure the person is in a safe position, protect their head from injury, and stay with them until the seizure stops. Medical attention should be sought if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes or if another seizure follows.

Clearing up these myths is crucial in reducing the stigma and promoting a better understanding of epilepsy. By educating ourselves and others, we can help create a more supportive environment for those living with the condition.

Challenges Faced by People with Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy presents a range of challenges that can affect various aspects of a person's life. While many people with epilepsy manage their condition with treatment and support, they may still encounter difficulties in different areas. These challenges can be physical, emotional, social, and practical. Here are some of the key challenges faced by people with epilepsy:

Seizure Management and Treatment

Managing seizures effectively is one of the biggest challenges for people with epilepsy. Treatment is highly individualized—what works for one person may not work for another. Many individuals require multiple adjustments to their medications to find an effective regimen, and some may experience side effects. 

For individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy (when seizures do not respond to medications), additional options become crucial. Surgical treatment offers hope in such cases. Depending on the type and location of seizures, various surgical approaches—such as resective surgery, corpus callosotomy, laser ablation, and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)—can help control or even eliminate seizures. Surgery can significantly reduce seizure frequency and improve the quality of life when medication fails.

Stigma and Discrimination

Even with increased awareness, social stigma surrounding epilepsy persists, fueled by misconceptions and fear. This can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion, as well as challenges in finding employment or housing. The stigma can also affect social interactions, as individuals may be reluctant to share their condition with others out of fear of being judged or treated differently. 

Many individuals with epilepsy face challenges in marriage due to persistent misconceptions. Some societies discourage or reject marriage proposals, fearing genetic risks or concerns about managing family responsibilities. This stigma often arises from misinformation rather than medical facts, reinforcing the need for awareness. As a result, individuals with epilepsy may encounter undue scrutiny or even feel pressured to hide their condition to avoid rejection. Addressing these biases through education and open conversations can help create a more accepting and inclusive society.

Physical Safety

Seizures can occur without warning, making it difficult for people with epilepsy to fully participate in activities that others might take for granted. This includes risks associated with driving, swimming, or using certain types of machinery. For individuals whose seizures are not well-controlled, these risks can limit their independence and freedom.

Mental Health Struggles

The emotional toll of living with epilepsy can be significant. Many people with epilepsy experience anxiety, depression, or stress, either as a direct result of the condition or due to the social challenges they face. The uncertainty of when a seizure may occur can lead to constant worry, which can affect daily life and relationships. Mental health support is crucial for many individuals with epilepsy to help them cope with these emotional challenges.

Social Isolation

Epilepsy can lead to social isolation, as people may withdraw from social events or avoid certain activities due to fear of having a seizure in public. This can strain relationships with family and friends, as well as limit opportunities for social engagement. People with epilepsy may also face difficulties in dating or forming new relationships because of concerns about how their condition will be perceived.

Impact on Education and Employment

For children and adults with epilepsy, managing the condition in school or work settings can be challenging. Children may face difficulties in school due to seizures or side effects from medication, which can affect their academic performance and self-esteem. Adults may experience difficulties in maintaining a job, especially if their seizures are unpredictable or they are unable to perform certain tasks due to safety concerns. Discrimination in the workplace is also a barrier that many people with epilepsy face.

Access to Healthcare

In some regions, access to proper healthcare and specialised treatment for epilepsy may be limited. Individuals living in rural areas or in countries with limited healthcare resources may face difficulties in getting a proper diagnosis or receiving ongoing treatment. Financial constraints, lack of insurance, or limited availability of specialised doctors can also hinder access to the care that people with epilepsy need.

Challenges for Women with Epilepsy

Women with epilepsy may face unique challenges related to hormonal fluctuations, contraception, and reproductive health. Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can influence seizure frequency and medication effectiveness. Certain anti-epileptic drugs may also affect birth control efficacy, making pregnancy planning more complex. Additionally, concerns about potential effects of epilepsy medication on foetal development can add emotional stress. Managing epilepsy during different life stages requires close coordination with healthcare providers to ensure optimal treatment and minimise risks.

Get Involved on International Epilepsy Day

International Epilepsy Day provides an opportunity to amplify awareness and support individuals living with epilepsy. Here’s how you can contribute to making a difference:

• Raise Awareness: Share educational content on social media, inform others about epilepsy, and help dispel the myths surrounding the condition.
• Attend Events: Participate in local events like information sessions, walks, or fundraisers to spread awareness in your community.
• Support Epilepsy Charities: Contribute to organisations such as the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) or the Epilepsy Foundation, which provide valuable resources and support for people with epilepsy.

At Max Hospitals, we are committed to supporting the epilepsy community, not just through medical care but also by helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one are living with epilepsy, contact us today to explore the latest treatment options and the support available. Together, we can make a difference for a better quality of life.