International Epilepsy Day observed on February 11, 2019. The day marks to create awareness about epilepsy among people. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that causes unprovoked, recurrent seizures. With the aim to create awareness about epilepsy every year, Second Monday of February is observed as International Epilepsy day.
What are the causes of Epilepsy?
- Congenital abnormalities of brain
- Brain damage from prenatal or perinatal injuries
- Infection of the brain like Tuberculosis
- Genetic factors
- Meningitis/encephalitis
- Brain malformations
- Head injury
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Brain hemorrhage
- Neurocysticercosis
WHO’s Role
WHO has been committed to improving epilepsy care worldwide for several decades. As part of this commitment, WHO launched the Programme on Reducing the Epilepsy Treatment Gap in 2012. The aim of this Programme is to expand the skills of non-specialist health-care providers to diagnose, treat and follow up with people with epilepsy.
Key Facts
- Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages.
- More than 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.
- Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.
- It is estimated that 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure- free if properly diagnosed and treated.
- About three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low- and middle- income countries do not get the treatment they need.
- In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination.
