International Epilepsy Day 2026: Breaking the Stigma and Raising Awareness
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, misconceptions and stigma around the condition continue to persist, affecting thousands of people across the globe. Individuals living with epilepsy not only suffer from the condition itself but also encounter fear, myths, and social judgment due to a lack of epilepsy awareness and understanding.
International Epilepsy Day, observed every year, creates a platform to address such challenges and foster a better understanding of the condition by raising awareness, educating people, breaking stigmas, and cultivating a more inclusive and supportive approach towards epilepsy. This day encourages open conversation about epilepsy, inviting every individual to gain accurate knowledge about the condition, so that those affected by it can live without the fear of discrimination or misunderstanding.
In the blog below, Zenzo aims to highlight the significance of this day, offer insights on the various types of epilepsy, debunk common misconceptions, and provide practical guidance on how communities could support those affected or living with the condition. Let’s get started!
What is International Epilepsy Day?
Started in the year 2015, International Epilepsy Day came into being due to the joint efforts of the International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). This day is observed every year on the second Monday of February, providing a platform for individuals worldwide to ask questions about epilepsy, raise awareness, and prevent discrimination against those living with it.
This year, International Epilepsy Day 2026 falls on Monday, 9th February, focusing on breaking stigma, promoting understanding, and encouraging open conversations about epilepsy. The theme “Turning Stories Into Action” focuses on moving beyond just awareness and highlighting the stories of those living with epilepsy as a powerful tool for education and advocacy. By sharing these experiences, the day aims to inspire communities worldwide to take meaningful action, foster empathy, and create a supportive environment where individuals with epilepsy are understood, accepted, and empowered.
Why is International Epilepsy Day Observed?
This day serves as a reminder to each one of us that education, awareness, and community understanding are crucial to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Some of the key objectives of the day include:
- Breaking Myths: It aims to challenge common misconceptions and the stigma surrounding epilepsy.
- Spreading Awareness: Educating communities about the condition, its symptoms, and ways to manage it effectively.
- Promoting Action: It encourages more and more individuals to take action and support those living with epilepsy, starting with those in your locality, society, and community.
- Saving Lives: By spreading awareness about the condition and providing information regarding seizure recognition, first-aid measures, and timely medical care, the day helps reduce risks and ensures better safety for individuals experiencing seizures.
Understanding the Types of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is not just a single condition but rather a group of disorders that cause seizures. They are often classified based on the severity, pattern, and location of the seizure origin. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure accurate diagnosis and timely interventions for effective epilepsy management. Some of the common types of epilepsy include:
1. Focal Epilepsy
Focal epilepsy seizure activity often starts in a particular part or corner of the brain. The person experiencing it may be awake and aware of the seizure taking place. They may also experience a twitching limb or a strange smell. On the other hand, some individuals may lose awareness, causing confusion, a state of trance, and repetitive movements.
2. Generalized Epilepsy
Generalized Epilepsy Seizures affect both sides of the brain, indicating complete electrical bursts that often result in loss of consciousness and confusion. Such seizures are often classified into four types, which include tonic-clonic seizures (characterized by sudden muscle stiffness and jerking movements), absence seizures (commonly found in children wherein they stare for brief moments), myoclonic seizures (featuring sudden muscle jerks), and atonic seizures (also known as drop attacks, as it is causes loss of muscle strength and sudden falls).
3. Combined Focal and Generalized Epilepsy
As the name suggests, in such conditions, individuals experience both focal and generalized seizures. These seizures start at one part of the brain and proceed to spread throughout the entire brain, making diagnosis a severe challenge.
4. Unknown Onset Epilepsy
In such situations, the healthcare provider is certain that the individual has epilepsy; however, due to a lack of sufficient diagnostic data, they are unable to determine where the seizure activity originated. This may happen when brain scan results do not reveal a clear starting point or when the person was alone at the time of the seizure, resulting in no reliable observation of how the episode began.
Myths Surrounding Epilepsy and Ways to Support Individuals Living With It
Despite its high prevalence, epilepsy continues to be misunderstood to date. Let us debunk some of the common misconceptions around it and learn some simple measures to create a more understanding and supportive environment for individuals living with epilepsy.
Myth 1 – Epilepsy is a Mental Condition
No, it isn’t. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that results from certain electrical activities in the brain that cause seizures. Knowing its correct definition helps people better understand the condition and raise awareness by correcting those who mistakenly consider it a mental disorder. This not only helps break the stigma surrounding epilepsy but also enables those affected by the condition to live a more respected and comfortable life.
Myth 2 – Epilepsy is Contagious
Epilepsy is a neurological condition; it cannot be spread through touch or procreation. Myths such as this make it difficult for epilepsy patients to be a part of the community. By avoiding judgment and fostering an inclusive society, we can ensure that such individuals are treated with the same love and respect that is given to others.
Myth 3 – Individuals with Epilepsy Cannot Live Normal Lives
Through timely treatment and effective management, most people with epilepsy can live normal, active lives. As a society, it becomes our responsibility to support timely medical care and promote awareness, encouraging acceptance for individuals living with epilepsy.
Myth 4 – You Should Put Something in The Mouth of The Person Experiencing Seizures
This is one of the most life-threatening myths of epilepsy. Putting something in the mouth of those experiencing a seizure could lead to serious injury, choking, or damage to the teeth and the jaw. Instead, ensure that the person’s head is protected from any injury, he/she is lying in a safe position, and call for medical help if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes.
Conclusion
International Epilepsy Day is more than just a global observance; it is a call for each one of us to replace fear with understanding, myths with facts, and exclusion with respect and empowerment. As citizens of the world, it is our duty to support every being, irrespective of their medical condition, and ensure they are treated with empathy, dignity, and fairness. Let us be a part of the International Epilepsy Day 2026 through active awareness, campaigns, community support, and by sharing accurate information about epilepsy and seizure care.
FAQ’s
- What is the theme for International Epilepsy Day 2026?
The theme for International Epilepsy Day 2026 is “Turning Stories Into Action”. It emphasizes the need to move beyond just awareness and promote action by sharing real-life experiences of those living with epilepsy.
- What are the common symptoms of Epilepsy?
Common epilepsy symptoms include seizures, confusion, sudden muscle movements, staring spells, and unusual behaviour changes.
- What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can be caused by genetic factors, stroke, brain injury, or infections that may have affected the brain. In most cases, there is no exact cause for epilepsy.
