Epilepsy Awareness Month — November

Every November, we observe National Epilepsy Awareness Month to support the 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy and to raise understanding about one of the most common neurological disorders in the world.

Epilepsy causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects people of all ages, though it’s most common in young children, older adults, and individuals with neurological injuries or trauma.

Why Awareness Matters

Despite how common epilepsy is, misconceptions still surround it. Many people living with epilepsy face stigma, discrimination, and isolation, often due to fear or lack of education about seizures.

Raising awareness helps:

• Encourage understanding and compassion.

• Promote safety and preparedness during seizures.

• Advocate for better access to treatment and research funding.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives, yet many go undiagnosed or undertreated. With proper medication and care, up to 70% of people with epilepsy can live seizure-free.

How to Support Epilepsy Awareness

• Wear purple, the color symbolizing epilepsy awareness.

• Educate others about seizure first aid: stay calm, keep the person safe, and never put anything in their mouth.

• Share stories from those living with epilepsy to normalize the conversation.

• Support organizations that fund research and community programs.

• Use social media tags like #EpilepsyAwarenessMonth or #EndEpilepsy to spread the message.

Beyond November

While awareness month happens once a year, epilepsy advocacy is ongoing. Access to neurologic rehabilitation, adaptive exercise, and supportive community spaces help individuals rebuild confidence, strength, and independence after neurological injuries that may contribute to epilepsy.

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Epilepsy Fast Facts. Updated 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/fast-facts.htm

2. Epilepsy Foundation. National Epilepsy Awareness Month. https://www.epilepsy.com

3. World Health Organization. Epilepsy Fact Sheet. Updated 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy