10th LACE, San Jose, Costa Rica – September 29th – 2nd October 2018
The 10th Latin American Congress on Epilepsy will take place in San Jose, Costa Rica from September 29th to 2nd October 2018. This biennial meeting, which is a joint collaboration of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), affords delegates [...]
New measures to avoid valproate exposure in pregnancy
The European Medicines Agency’s experts in medicines safety, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) are recommending new measures to avoid exposure of babies to valproate medicines in the womb. Babies exposed are at risk of malformations and developmental problems. This follows a public consultation that took [...]
Nine more MEPs join the European Advocates for Epilepsy Group
Following recent meetings between members of the IBE/ILAE Epilepsy Alliance Europe Task Force and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), we are delighted to report that nine MEPs have offered to join the European Advocates for Epilepsy group in the European Parliament. This brings membership of [...]
Golden Light Awards, Bali 2018
CALLING ALL IBE CHAPTERS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONS Is there a young member of your association who has been a shining light for others and who is deserving of recognition? The Regional Committees in South East Asia and Western Pacific are calling [...]
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.