Spreading Awareness
More than three million people in the U.S. -- and over 65 million people worldwide -- live with epilepsy. People with epilepsy have seizures -- unexpected electrical "storms" in the brain.
Seizures impact their lives in many ways including creating barriers to employment and education and facing a sense of discrimination and isolation from their peers who donʼt understand what happens when they see a seizure occur.
Breaking Down Barriers
The Epilepsy Foundation promotes education and awareness about epilepsy. Our goal is to help everyone understand what a seizure looks like and what to do if they see someone having a seizure. The more everyone talks about epilepsy, the less people living with the condition have to fear discrimination, worry about receiving improper first aid, or keep their epilepsy hidden in the shadows.
We want all people with epilepsy to know the extent of treatment options to help control their seizures. While most people living with epilepsy are well controlled on their first anti-seizure medication, people who live with difficult to control seizures are not often aware of the latest treatment options. The Foundation encourages people with epilepsy to seek out epilepsy specialists to ensure they are taking advantage of the latest and greatest options to achieve freedom from seizures and freedom for side effects.
The Foundation advocates for more attention and money to be dedicated to epilepsy research and the acceleration of new therapies. One-third of people living with epilepsy have seizures that cannot be controlled with current treatments, and all people living with epilepsy have the risk of a potential “breakthrough” seizure. The uncertainty of when and where the next seizure may occur has a dramatic impact on the lives of all people living with epilepsy and on their loved ones. We must encourage our leaders to focus on increasing funding for research toward better seizure treatments and a cure for epilepsy.
For these reasons and more, the Epilepsy Foundation is dedicated to improving public understanding of epilepsy and seizures.
Get Involved!
Learn about the many ways you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy. Make a donation today to support our mission to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection.
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.