Latest News
WHO Approves Inclusion of Levetiracetam in the Essential Medicine List
We are pleased to inform you that the WHO Committee on Essential Medicines has given its approval for the addition of oral levetiracetam for the treatment of focal-onset and generalized-onset seizures in its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicine for Children (EMLc). Parenteral [...]
International Bureau for Epilepsy selects Golden Light Award Winners 2023
June 29th, 2023 - At a webinar to celebrate young people with epilepsy - in advance of International Youth Day 2023 - IBE announces its bi-annual, global Golden Light Award winners. Three inspiring young people - from Brazil, Tanzania and Ireland - were selected to [...]
Public Sessions at 35th IEC – Attend In-Person or Virtually
The 35th International Epilepsy Congress is Coming to Ireland! Mark your calendars for this September, as Ireland welcomes the 35th International Epilepsy Congress (IEC). Organized biennially by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), this prestigious event stands as the [...]
Where Are We After One Year of IGAP?
We were pleased to join our colleagues International League Against Epilepsy and the World Federation Of Neurology for a recent webinar celebrating one year since the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) was unanimously approved by World Health Organization Member [...]
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?
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.
