Latest News
International Epilepsy News – Issue 1, 2021
The cover of this issue shows a portrait photo of Francesca Sofia, who has been elected as IBE President 2021-2025. She becomes President-elect until the start of her term in late August. This is the first issue of 2021 and, while most of us still struggle [...]
IBE and ILAE Joint Statement on COVID-19 vaccines and people with epilepsy
Vaccines against COVID19 are currently being approved and becoming available. There is currently no evidence to suggest that having epilepsy is specifically associated with a higher risk of side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine. For people with epilepsy, the risk of COVID-19 infection and potential complications [...]
European Survey on Epilepsy & Pregnancy
We need your help! IBE is conducting a survey in Europe to understand how well informed women of childbearing age are on the risks involved in epilepsy and pregnancy and how well this information is understood. The survey is currently available in English, German, Georgian, Russian [...]
Latest News from the German Epilepsy Union
An update from Stefanie Pagel, of Deutsche Epilepsievereinigung - an IBE Chapter in Berlin, Germany Today we are excited to share the latest activities of our federal organisation, which of course have been a tremendous challenge with respect to the corona pandemic including its statutory restraints. [...]
Established in 1961, the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) is an international organisation for national epilepsy organisations (IBE chapters) that exists to provide support for a strong global network, encourage the development of new chapters in underserved areas of the world, and to encourage communication and collaboration among all members so as to meet our mission and vision.
Our members are patient/family focused and driven organisations and we work collaboratively with our professional and government partners worldwide.
Our strategic priorities are to ensure that epilepsy is
recognised as a health priority worldwide; that the human and civil rights of people with epilepsy are enhanced and protected wherever they might live; that people with epilepsy are empowered to maximise quality of life; and that research into prevention, treatment, care and consequences of epilepsy are promoted.
We work to achieve these priorities through a range of programs including:
- Public Information and Health Education
- Advocacy
- International Best Practice Exchange
- Helping Build Communities of Care
Sign Up to the IBE Newsletter
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious diseases affecting more than 50 million people globally. There are many difference causes for epilepsy including genetic disposition, head trauma or brain tumour.
Epilepsy affects almost every aspect in the life of the person diagnosed with the disease. For many people with epilepsy, the stigma attached to the disease is more difficult to deal with than the disease itself.
People with epilepsy have a 3-6 times greater risk of premature death. Many of the deaths from epilepsy could be prevented with appropriate medication and treatment.
