Since 2015, every second Monday in February is commemorating the International Epilepsy Day, proclaimed by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy to raise awareness about epilepsy and its impact on individuals, families and communities worldwide.

This year the day focuses on the stigma faced by those suffering from epilepsy that really affects people of all ages and impacts nearly every aspect of life.

Epilepsy is featured by recurrent seizures, brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the whole body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

People with epilepsy tend to have more physical issues (such as fractures and bruising from seizure-related trauma) and higher rates of psychosocial disorders, including anxiety and depression.

The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than in the general population.

Specialized reports show that about 80% of these patients live in low- and middle-income countries and do not receive proper treatment.

Furthermore, it is estimated that 70% of people with epilepsy could live seizure-free if they were properly diagnosed and treated.

According to experts, it is possible to prevent a large part of the causes of death such as falls, drowning, burns and long seizures.

Discrimination and stigma of epilepsy can take many forms and negatively influence on those who suffer from epilepsy, such as exclusion from social activities or events, or being excluded from certain functions or jobs.

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