Latest News
United Kingdom : MP epilepsy debate
Next week, in the United Kingdom, MPs are due to hold a three-hour debate on epilepsy in the House of Commons. This debate will take place at 14:00 (GMT) on Thursday 26 February and our friends and colleagues in the UK are urging everyone with epilepsy to lobby their [...]
“Selfies” from around the world
Social media played a huge role worldwide in getting the epilepsy awareness message out to the public. On February 9th there was a worldwide effort to get #epilepsyday to trend on Twitter and other social media sites. By using a sheet of paper to display the hashtag and their location, people [...]
World Health Organization (WHO) and Epilepsy
Left to Right: Athanosis Covanis (IBE President), Shekhar Saxena and Tarun Dua, WHO, Emilo Perucca (ILAE President) A total of 28 countries presented statements in support of the resolution; 20 of these were members of the WHO Executive Board. The Executive Board of the [...]
Press Release : Launching International Epilepsy Day (International Epilepsy Day 2015)
65 MILLION people around the world live with epilepsy International Epilepsy Day will launch around the world on Monday 9 February 2015. Organised by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), International Epilepsy Day will provide the platform for people [...]
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.
