RIP Augustine Mugarura
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Augustine Mugarura, long-standing director of the Epilepsy Support Association Uganda (ESAU). Augustine led the IBE chapter in Uganda for many years, introducing projects to improve the quality of lives of people with epilepsy through [...]
‘Nina, The Little Bulldozer’
A caring short film on Epilepsy Nina, The Little Bulldozer is a short film that is part documentary, part animation. Through the words of Nadia and Thomas Davies (Nina's parents) the little girl comes to life and symbolizes the spirit of overcoming. This unique short film [...]
Some happy news from Malaysia
Edmund Cheong Heng Yew wins competition by sharing his mother's story of epilepsy "Malaysia Day" falls on the 16th of September. Each year, many events are organised to celebrate this patriotic and joyous day. This year, International supermarket chain Tesco, organised a story sharing contest with [...]
International Epilepsy News – Issue 2, 2018
This latest issue of IE News features news from the 12th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress, which took place in Bali in May. In particular, we focus on the Epilepsy & Society symposium, whose programme was specially designed with a non-scientific audience in mind. Janet Mifsud [...]
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
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What is Epilepsy?
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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.
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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.