National Epilepsy Awareness Month is a major annual effort to educate the public about one of the most common neurological conditions. More than 3.4 million people in the United States currently live with epilepsy, and approximately one in 26 people will develop the disorder at some point in their lifetime. This high prevalence underscores the importance of widespread understanding to reduce historical stigma and improve the quality of life for those affected.
The Timing of National Epilepsy Month
National Epilepsy Awareness Month is observed every November in the United States. This annual designation provides a concentrated period for advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and communities to focus their educational efforts. The tradition began in 1969, and the U.S. Congress formally declared November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month in 2003, cementing its place on the national health calendar.
Defining Epilepsy and Seizure Types
Epilepsy is defined as a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure itself is a temporary episode of signs or symptoms caused by abnormal, excessive, or synchronous electrical activity in the brain. A diagnosis of epilepsy is generally made after a person has experienced at least two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart.
Seizures are broadly categorized based on where they begin in the brain: focal (or partial) and generalized. Focal seizures start in one specific area or network on one side of the brain. These can manifest as subtle changes, such as a strange taste or smell, or they can involve a loss of awareness.
Generalized seizures, in contrast, appear to start on both sides of the brain simultaneously. The most widely known type is the generalized tonic-clonic seizure, formerly called a grand mal seizure, which involves a stiffening of the muscles (tonic phase) followed by rhythmic jerking (clonic phase) and a loss of consciousness. Another common generalized type is the absence seizure, which involves brief, non-motor events characterized by staring spells.
Goals of the Awareness Campaign
The primary goals of the November campaign focus on improving societal perception and driving scientific progress. A primary objective is to reduce the stigma and misconceptions surrounding the disorder, which historically led to discrimination. Advocates work to replace fear with factual knowledge, clarifying that epilepsy is a neurological condition, not a sign of mental illness or spiritual possession.
The awareness month also promotes increased funding for research. Organizations emphasize the need for new treatments, improved diagnostic tools, and a cure for the condition. Advocacy efforts also push for policy changes that improve the quality of life for those living with the condition, ensuring better access to resources and support systems.
Ways the Public Can Participate
Individuals can actively support the awareness campaign through several straightforward actions during November.
- Wear purple, the internationally recognized color for epilepsy awareness, to spark conversations and show solidarity.
- Share accurate information and personal stories through social media platforms, utilizing campaign hashtags.
- Learn seizure first aid, summarized by the “Stay, Safe, Side” method, which involves staying with the person, keeping them safe, and turning them gently onto their side.
- Support major organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation through donations or participation in local events.