World Health Assembly Declaration on Epilepsy
WHO Declaration on the: Global burden of epilepsy and the need for coordinated action at the country level to address its health, social and public knowledge implications Download the Declaration
Ann Little, IBE Executive Director, newly elected President of the European Federation of Neurological Associations
IBE is pleased to announce that Ann Little, IBE Executive Director, has been elected as President of the European Federation of Neurological Associations for the two-year term 2015-2017. The election took place at the General Assembly of EFNA, held during the 1st Congress of the European [...]
EU Commission publishes its response on the EU Citizens Initiative – Stop Vivisection
IBE is pleased to learn that the EU Citizens Initiative – Stop Vivisection, which was submitted to the European Commission (EC) in early March, with an aim to repeal the existing European Directive (2010/63/EU) on the protection of animals used for scientific purpose, and presenting “a [...]
Approval of the Epilepsy Resolution by the World Health Assembly: A Historical Landmark
[Pictured from Left to Right] Athanasios Covanis - President IBE, Shekhar Saxena -WHO, Shichuo Li (China), Brooke Short - WHO, Ann Little, Executive Director IBE (Ireland), Mary Secco, IBE (Canada), Tarun Dua - WHO, Emilio Perucca - President ILAE, Alla Guekht, ILAE (Russia) Tuesday 26, 2015, will [...]
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.