Overview:
International Epilepsy Day, celebrated each year on the 2nd Monday of February, is an opportunity to raise awareness of epilepsy, what it is, how it can be treated, and what is needed to bring treatment to all people who need it.
The Global Campaign against Epilepsy: "Out of the Shadows" was launched in 1997 as a joint project of the World Health Organization (WHO), International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), with the aim raising general awareness and understanding of epilepsy, enhancing efforts to improve care services and reducing its impact.
Facts:
- Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized).
- Temporary symptoms of an epilepsy seizure: Loss of awareness or consciousness, movement, sensation, and mood disturbances, temporary confusion, and uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness of epilepsy
- Reinforcing research, learning, and training
- Supporting patients and their families
- Enhancing medical services through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Official Date:
- Globally: 8/2/2021
- Locally: 26/6/1442H.
Theme:
References:
International League against Epilepsy
MOH - World Health Days of 2020
(Live Well) Platform - Saudi MOH