International Epilepsy Day

International Epilepsy Day is a special event that annually raises awareness of this neurological disease in more than 130 countries around the world Every year on the second Monday in February, people come together to recognize and raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers Despite being one of the most well-known diseases in the world, public fear and misunderstanding of the problem of epilepsy persists This leads to a lack of understanding of the individual risk of people with epilepsy, discrimination against them in the workplace and in society, and a lack of funding for research into new treatments For people living with epilepsy, misconceptions and discrimination can be more difficult to overcome than the seizures themselves International Epilepsy Day aims to raise awareness and educate the general public about the true facts about epilepsy and the urgent need for improved treatment, better care and increased investment in research International Epilepsy Day is a joint initiative of the International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Founded in 1909, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is the preeminent global association of physicians and other health professionals committed to ensuring that epilepsy does not limit anyone's life Its mission is to provide the highest quality of care and well-being for those living with this disease and other related seizure disorders ILAE's mission is to ensure that healthcare professionals and patients, government and the public worldwide have the educational and research resources needed to understand, diagnose and treat people with epilepsy Founded in 1961 and focused on the social aspects of epilepsy, IBE is the true voice of people with epilepsy, their families and those who care for them The organizations' mission is to create a better world in which ignorance and fear of epilepsy are replaced by understanding and care The objectives of the ILAE and IBE data are to:• promote and disseminate knowledge of epilepsy;• promote research, education and training in the field;• improve services and patient care, especially through prevention, diagnosis and treatment Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by seizures in which a person experiences loss of consciousness, convulsions and shock The holiday is also known as Lavender Day because the color purple is considered a sign of solidarity with people suffering from the disease Diagnosis usually occurs in childhood (75% of cases are diagnosed before age 18) Sometimes, epilepsy can be caused by a brain defect, genetics, but can also occur with meningitis or AIDS International Epilepsy Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about this disease, what it is and how it can be treated, how to help people who suffer from epilepsy On the occasion of the holiday, we recommend that you learn tips in case of contact with a person during an attack and work on your own tolerance for such people You can also wear something purple on this day as a sign of solidarity So, let's remember how to provide first aid during an attack: • do not panic and remain calm; • make sure that there are no dangerous objects near the patient that could injure him in any way; • give him the opportunity to breathe freely, untie his tie, unbutton his collar, take off his glasses; • after a seizure, if possible, place him under his head something soft and place the patient on his side so that the airway remains open; • in a situation where the patient is drowsy after a seizure, give him a rest, and when he is agitated, monitor the risk of injury to the patient; • if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes - don't wait and call an ambulance Epilepsy is not a death sentence; it should not interfere with the implementation of a person’s life plans There are many cases of people who have achieved success despite their diagnosis, for example: writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, Paralympic swimmer Maggie McEleny, musician Prince, former Hawaii governor Nel Abercrombie and actor Danny Glover