IE News: Issue 4 – 2013
The big event, so far this year, was European Epilepsy Day and we have an extended report on activities both in the European Parliament and in countries across the continent. There are some very inventive ideas that you might like to borrow from for your own [...]
Chile: Teaching about epilepsy in primary school
Juanito's Story All young children love puppets and puppetry has been shown to be a successful means of educating young people and of dealing with issues that can be otherwise more difficult to confront. ANLICHE, IBE’s Full Member in Chile, have produced a family puppet video aimed [...]
Epilepsy and Legislation
Basic principles for Epilepsy Legislation sets out basic principles and rights that should be considered when drafting legislation related to epilepsy with due respect to given cultures or legal traditions. Read more click here to download this document
Professor Samuel Berkovic : awarded Companion in the Order of Australia (2014)
[raw] [one_third][/one_third] [two_third last] The International Bureau for Epilepsy are delighted to offer their warmest congratulation to Professor Samuel Berkovic upon his appointment - Companion in the Order of Australia. In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer the highest recognition for outstanding [...]
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.