Latest News
EPIFocus Issue 1 – 2014
The first issue of EPIFocus 2014, the newsletter of the IBE European Regional Committee – is now available to download. In this issue … MEP Manifesto New Healthcare Directive Where we are in the world EU tell pharmas to lobby more EFNS and ENS becomes one [...]
Moldova : The Association for Supporting Children with Special Needs
IBE welcomed the Association for Supporting Children with Special Needs (Moldova) as a Full Member in March 2014. Epilepsy Awareness The organization was founded in 2001 by a group of parents whose children had been diagnosed with epilepsy. Initially the organization was named called The Association [...]
Could Cannabis Curb Seizures? Experts Weed through the Evidence
The therapeutic potential of medical marijuana and pure cannabidiol (CBD), an active substance in the cannabis plant, for neurologic conditions is highly debated. A series of articles published in Epilepsia, a journal of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), examine the potential use of medical marijuana [...]
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects the nervous system. Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder. It is usually diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures that were not caused by some known medical condition. What are Seizures? Seizures seen in [...]
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?
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.
