International Epilepsy Day 2025: A Global Movement for Awareness, Inclusion and Action
Observed annually on the second Monday of February, International Epilepsy Day is a global observance that plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about epilepsy and advocating for people living with the condition. On February 10, 2025, this day will hold particular significance as it highlights the urgent need to address stigma, misinformation, and systemic barriers faced by the approximately 50 million people living with epilepsy worldwide.
This observance is not just about raising awareness; it is about mobilizing collective action to change the global conversation surrounding epilepsy. Established in 2015 by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the day serves as a platform for governments, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and communities to unite and amplify the voices of those living with epilepsy. With the backdrop of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP), this day offers a call for advocacy, empathy, and action.
Historical Roots: From Ancient Stigma to Modern Advocacy
Epilepsy, one of the oldest documented medical conditions, has a long and complex history, often clouded by stigma, fear, and misunderstanding. References to epilepsy can be traced back to 2000 B.C., with texts from ancient Mesopotamia describing seizures as a sign of spiritual possession requiring exorcism. Similarly, ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, and Greek cultures misinterpreted the condition as a form of divine punishment or a supernatural occurrence. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician in the 5th century B.C., is credited with challenging these myths, asserting that epilepsy originated in the brain—a revolutionary idea at the time, which laid the groundwork for the scientific understanding of the condition in modern neurology.
Despite advancements in medical knowledge, the stigma surrounding epilepsy persisted through the ages. In ancient Rome, people with epilepsy were prohibited from sharing utensils, reflecting the widespread belief that they were somehow contagious. In 20th-century Africa, seizures were often blamed on witchcraft, leading to discrimination and exclusion. Even in more recent times, people living with epilepsy faced significant barriers to inclusion. In the United States, epilepsy was once grounds for marriage annulments, and restrictions on driving remained in place for many years. This historical backdrop underscores the significance of International Epilepsy Day, which emerged in 2015 as a global effort to dismantle the myths surrounding epilepsy and to advocate for the human rights of those affected by it.
The 2025 Theme: #MyEpilepsyJourney
The theme for International Epilepsy Day 2025, "#MyEpilepsyJourney," focuses on the power of personal stories to humanize epilepsy. The goal of this theme is to create a space where individuals can share their experiences of living with epilepsy, highlighting the emotional, social, and physical challenges they face. Personal narratives, whether through social media campaigns, virtual art exhibitions, or community events, help to shed light on the real-life consequences of epilepsy, including discrimination, mental health struggles, and limited access to healthcare.
The #MyEpilepsyJourney campaign encourages people with epilepsy, their families, and healthcare professionals to share their personal stories, bringing greater visibility to the condition and its multifaceted impact. For example, former cricketer Emma Beamish shared her decision to forgo parenthood due to the unpredictability of her seizures, an emotional and deeply personal experience that resonated with many people and sparked broader conversations about mental health and societal support for those living with chronic conditions. This type of advocacy empowers individuals to challenge misconceptions about epilepsy and advocate for a more compassionate and informed approach to care.
The #MyEpilepsyJourney theme aligns with global initiatives such as the Global Epilepsy Needs Study (GENS) and EPIACT, which gather firsthand accounts from individuals with epilepsy to inform policy development and improve treatment options. These personal stories help to highlight the systemic issues that need to be addressed, such as the fact that 70% of people with epilepsy still lack access to proper treatment, and the premature death rate for people with epilepsy is three times higher than that of the general population, often due to preventable causes like drowning or prolonged seizures.
The WHO’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP): A Decade of Transformation
The WHO’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) represents a bold, ten-year roadmap (2022–2031) designed to improve epilepsy care and address the inequalities faced by people living with epilepsy worldwide. The plan has set two critical targets:
- Global Target 5.1: Increase epilepsy service coverage by 50% by 2031.
- Global Target 5.2: Ensure that 80% of countries update their legislation to protect the rights of people with epilepsy by 2031.
These goals are vital because they address the stark disparities that exist in epilepsy care worldwide. In low-income countries, antiseizure medications are often unavailable, and cultural stigma may prevent individuals from seeking proper care. The IGAP emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to epilepsy care, which includes neurologists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals working together to support individuals living with epilepsy. This approach draws inspiration from other areas of medicine, such as oncology and mental health, where collaborative care has proven successful in improving patient outcomes.
Epilepsy’s Dual Burden: Medical and Social Challenges
While epilepsy is primarily known for causing seizures, the condition’s impact extends far beyond the physical symptoms. One of the most significant medical challenges associated with epilepsy is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which claims thousands of lives annually. Despite the prevalence of SUDEP, public awareness remains remarkably low, and many individuals with epilepsy and their families are unaware of the risks associated with the condition.
In addition to the medical challenges, mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety are common among people with epilepsy. These conditions are often exacerbated by workplace discrimination and social isolation. In fact, studies have shown that 40% of people with epilepsy experience stigma in the workplace, and many choose to conceal their condition for fear of judgment or discrimination. For children, the situation is even more challenging. Seizures can interfere with education, and many children with epilepsy face exclusion from school due to misconceptions about their condition. Additionally, medications like valproate, which are commonly prescribed to control seizures, can lead to sleep disorders and other side effects that further impact a child’s development.
Advocacy efforts are increasingly focused on addressing these dual burdens—medical and social—through precision medicine, which leverages genetic testing to tailor treatments to individual needs, minimizing side effects and improving overall quality of life.
Global Observance: How to Participate
International Epilepsy Day is an opportunity for people around the world to come together and show their support for individuals living with epilepsy. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Share Your Story: Join the #MyEpilepsyJourney campaign on social media to share your personal challenges and triumphs related to epilepsy. Your story could inspire others and help to raise awareness about the realities of living with epilepsy.
Wear Purple: Lavender is the official color of epilepsy awareness, and wearing purple on International Epilepsy Day is a simple way to show solidarity with those affected by epilepsy.
Advocate for Policy Change: Push governments and policymakers to adopt laws and policies that align with the goals of the WHO’s IGAP, such as those that protect the rights of people with epilepsy and improve access to care.
Support Research: Donate to organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation to fund critical research into seizure detection technologies, new treatments, and better access to care for those living with epilepsy.
Educate Your Community: Host workshops, seminars, or school programs to dispel common myths about epilepsy, such as the misconception that all seizures involve convulsions. Education is key to reducing stigma and fostering understanding.
The Road Ahead: From Awareness to Equity
While progress has been made in raising awareness about epilepsy, systemic barriers remain. Climate change, for example, is exacerbating challenges for people with epilepsy, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where erratic weather patterns and poor agricultural yields contribute to malnutrition. Malnutrition, in turn, can trigger or worsen seizures. These interconnected issues highlight the need for a comprehensive, global approach to tackling epilepsy, one that considers both the medical and social factors that impact people’s lives.
Telemedicine, for example, is emerging as a powerful tool to bridge healthcare gaps in rural and underserved areas, where access to specialized care is often limited. Additionally, AI-driven tools like large language models have the potential to analyze online forums and other digital platforms to identify unmet patient needs and provide insights into the challenges faced by people with epilepsy.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
International Epilepsy Day 2025 is more than just an awareness event—it is a rallying cry for empathy, equity, and action. By amplifying personal stories, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering understanding within our communities, we can help ensure that epilepsy care becomes a universal right, not a privilege. As the WHO’s IGAP enters its third year, let this day remind us that every seizure prevented, every stigma dismantled, and every life empowered brings us closer to a world where epilepsy is met not with fear, but with understanding, compassion, and unwavering support. Let us unite in this global effort to transform the future of epilepsy care, one story, one policy, and one life at a time.
Photo from iStock
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