EPI-Focus Issue 13 – Newsletter of the IBE European Regional Executive Committee (EREC)
Dear Friends Preparing this message, I was looking through previous issues of EPI-Focus and the short introductions of us, newly elected EREC members in issue number 11. Some- thing caught the eye. It was Maggan’s introduction which she started with: “My name is Margaretha Andersson but [...]
Towards a Global Alliance on Epilepsy Research
The Speakers Brian Hayes MEP Brian Hayes served as a member of Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament) from 1997-2002 and 2007-2014, until his election to the European Parliament in May 2014. He was appointed to three European Parliament Committees - Economic & Monetary [...]
New multimedia project A Life Electric joins the fight to bring epilepsy out of the shadows in 2019
To coincide with International Epilepsy Day, Scottish production company Storm Features today launched an experimental online magazine called A Life Electric. For the past year a Scottish visual journalist has been collecting stories about epilepsy inspired by the death of his brother to the illness. Fraser [...]
International Epilepsy Day Video Competition Results
As part of our International Epilepsy Day celebrations for 2019, we invited you to enter a video competition. The competition, open to everyone, had two categories: My Personal Story and Educational Video. Winning videos have been selected based on their success in telling an inspiring personal [...]
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?
![What is Epilepsy – Icon](https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/What-is-Epilepsy-Icon.png)
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.
![What is Epilepsy – Icon](https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/What-is-Epilepsy-Icon.png)
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.
![What is Epilepsy – Icon](https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/What-is-Epilepsy-Icon.png)
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.