Every year, International Epilepsy Day is observed on the second Monday of February to raise awareness about epilepsy, a condition that affects the brain and causes sudden seizures or fits. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes epilepsy as a long-term brain disorder that leads to frequent seizures. This year, the global observance will occur on Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the WHO, about 50 million people around the world live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common brain disorders. People with epilepsy are at a higher risk of early death, up to three times more than the general population.
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The WHO also reports that nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for more awareness, especially in areas with fewer resources.
On average, one in every hundred people gets epilepsy, and it is more common in young children and older adults. To address this, International Epilepsy Day was established in 2015 by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) to address the need for greater awareness and support for people living with epilepsy.
This initiative gives a voice to individuals with epilepsy, their families, and carers while emphasising the importance of education, research, and healthcare advancements.
Now that we have a rough idea about International Epilepsy Day, let's explore in-depth what epilepsy is, its causes, and more.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes sudden, abnormal brain activity, leading to seizures. A seizure can cause unusual behaviour, feelings, or even loss of awareness. People of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures can have epilepsy.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), "Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder in which groups of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain, sometimes send the wrong signals and cause seizures."
Seizures can look different for each person. Some people may stare blankly briefly, while others might have uncontrollable movements in their arms or legs. Having one seizure doesn’t mean someone has epilepsy. To be diagnosed with epilepsy, a person usually needs to have at least two unprovoked seizures.
The National Health Portal lists the causes and symptoms of epilepsy:
Causes of Epilepsy:
Brain damage from injury before or during birth
Birth defects or congenital abnormalities
Brain infections
Stroke or brain tumors
Head injuries or accidents
High fever during childhood
The causes of epilepsy can vary. Some cases have clear triggers, while in others, the cause is unknown. Since epilepsy involves abnormal brain activity, seizures can affect various brain functions.
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Symptoms of Epilepsy:
Sudden, uncontrollable twitching of the arms or legs
Loss of consciousness
Tingling or pins-and-needles feeling in the arms or legs
Muscle stiffness in the arms, legs, or face
