Annual Report 2008
Annual Report 2008 IBEs Annual Report for 2008 provides an overview of the activities and projects of the IBE that were carried out during the year. The report provides information on the principal activities carried out by IBE during 2008 at international level, covering three international [...]
Annual Report 2007
Annual Report 2007 IBEs Annual Report for 2007 provides an overview of the activities and projects of the Bureau that were carried out during that year. The 39-page report carries information on the principal activities carried out by IBE during 2007 at international level, including the [...]
Epilepsy and Genetics
Epilepsy and Genetics Things You Want to Know Is epilepsy a genetic disorder? Genetics is believed to play a role in most forms of epilepsy. However, perhaps surprisingly, most people with epilepsy do not have any affected relatives. Current scientific evidence suggests that the role of [...]
Annual Report 2005
The 2005 Annual Report reports on the growth of IBE and with its 113 members in 88 countries. This year saw the completion of the new Constitution heralding a new, more democratic era for IBE and its members. For the first time new election procedures were used to elect [...]
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.