International Epilepsy Day 2024: History, Significance, Do's and Don'ts of managing Seizures
International Epilepsy Day 2024: It is observed on the second Monday in February. This year it falls on 13 February. Let us read about the history, significance of the day, what is epilepsy, its causes, diagnosis, treatment, Do's and Dont's of managing seizures, etc.
International Epilepsy Day
International Epilepsy Day 2024: Every year the second Monday of February is observed as International Epilepsy Day, and this year it is celebrated on 13 February. The day spreads awareness and educates people about the true facts of epilepsy and the urgent need for improved treatment, better care, and greater investment in research.
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is derived from the Greek word which means 'to be seized, to be overwhelmed by surprise'. Suffering from epilepsy means having a tendency to have recurring seizures. It is said that if the brain is exposed to a strong enough stimulus then anyone can have a seizure. It is not necessarily a lifelong diagnosis. Also, doctors may consider that a person has no longer epilepsy if he or she goes without seizures for a long enough time.
International Epilepsy Day 2024: Date & Theme
International Epilepsy Day 2023 is observed on February 14 all over the globe. The theme for International Epilepsy Day 2023 will focus on the theme of 'Stigma' to put light on the challenges faced by people living with epilepsy.
International Epilepsy Day 2024: History
The day was organised by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). It started in 2015. The purpose behind observing the day is to provide a platform for people with epilepsy to share their experiences and stories with audiences across the world. It is also a call for all people to advocate for appropriate legislation that will guarantee human rights to people with epilepsy. The day also encourages people with epilepsy to live to their fullest potential.
It is one of the world's oldest known medical conditions, associated with public fear and misunderstanding about epilepsy, making various people reluctant to talk about it. This reluctance may lead to lives lived in shadows, a lack of understanding about individual risk, discrimination in workplaces, and communities, and also a lack of funding for new therapies research.
International Epilepsy Day 2024: Significance
Even though there are 65 million epileptics worldwide, the condition still carries some stigma. International Epilepsy Day was created to raise awareness of epilepsy and to show people how to better care for those who have the condition.
People who had epilepsy were not allowed to eat or drink from the same plates or pots as others in ancient Rome. Epilepsy was thought to be contagious and the result of possession, witchcraft, or poisoning in some regions of Africa up until the second half of the 20th century. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the condition, eliminate the stigma associated with it, and provide a forum for people to share their experiences.
International Epilepsy Day aims to dispel the stigma associated with the condition and disseminate some useful knowledge about it.
Because there is a culture of silence surrounding epilepsy, there is little accurate information available. Therefore, today debugs all of the false.
Epilepsy causes the sudden death of more than one in 1,000 people each year. Additionally, the day places a focus on receiving the proper care because everyone, including medical professionals, lacks sufficient knowledge about how to treat the illness.
International Epilepsy Day aids those who have the condition in locating a network of sympathizers who can relate to and support them.
International Epilepsy Day is the brainchild of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy. Today, International Epilepsy Day is commemorated in more than 120 countries all over the world. The two organizations have put together various events on the day since their inception.
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