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Take the quiz to see how much you know about epilepsy around the world.

What Do You Know About International Epilepsy Day?

In 2015, the international community, led by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), announced the creation of International Epilepsy Day on the second Monday of February each year.

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What is International Epilepsy Day?

It is estimated that 65 million people are living with epilepsy around the world. Epilepsy can affect any person, regardless of gender, age, race, and income level.

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How many people around the world are living with epilepsy?

The World Health Organization states epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Other common neurological disorders around the world include dementia, stroke, and migraines.

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True or False: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world

The experiences of people living with epilepsy vary greatly around the world. Often, misunderstanding of the disease is the root of much of the mistreatment experienced by people living with epilepsy and their families.

Across the world, people living with epilepsy and their families may experience one or more of the following:

The World Health Organization reports central nervous system infections are common causes of epilepsy in tropical areas. Elimination of parasites in these environments and education on how to avoid infections can be an effective ways to reduce epilepsy worldwide.

True or False: Central nervous system infections are common causes of epilepsy in tropical areas

Epilepsy was mentioned in a Babylonian text about medicine written over 3000 years ago. The text includes descriptions of many of the seizure types we recognize today, including what we would call tonic clonic seizures, absence, drop attacks, simple and complex partial seizures, and even focal motor seizures.

True or False: The first written record of epilepsy is 3,000 years old:

Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries. Leading causes of epilepsy vary across the world. For example, in some parts of the world, people are exposed to neurotoxins (ex. lead) more than others.

True or False: Less than half 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. Diagnosis can be difficult, especially in countries where the health care system is not well organized or funded. Treatments can vary - from pharmaceuticals, to special diets, seizure device implants, to surgery.

The World Health Organization estimates what percentage of people living with epilepsy could live seizure- free if properly diagnosed and treated

The World Health Organization reports the higher number of people living with epilepsy in low or middle income countries is likely due to the increased risk of endemic conditions such as malaria; the higher incidence of road traffic injuries; birth-related injuries; and variations in medical infrastructure, availability of preventative health programs and accessible care. Close to 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.

What are some likely reasons more people living in low or middle income countries have epilepsy compared to higher income countries?

There are many ways you can help the community of people living with epilepsy. One of the biggest barriers to epilepsy awareness is often a lack of understanding of the disease. Talking about it and sharing stories can be a powerful way to reduce misconceptions.

What are some ways you can help?

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What Do You Know About International Epilepsy Day?

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