EU Parliament Announces Approval of Written Declaration on Epilepsy – September 15, 2011
WRITTEN DECLARATION ON EPILEPSY SUPPORTED BY 459 MEPs We are delighted to announce that the European Written Declaration on Epilepsy has passed, with its approval announced during the plenary session in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday (Thursday 15th September). In order to have a written [...]
EPIFocus Issue 1 – 2013
The first issue of EPIFocus for 2013 - the newsletter of the IBE European Regional Committee – is now available. To download this issue, please CLICK HERE.
Stand Up For Epilepsy : Photographic Exhibition 2013
During February 2013, an exhibition of 45 images from the Stand Up For Epilepsy Photography project was mounted in a prominent position in the parliament. The images, from countries all over the world, feature famous international and Olympic sports people, including Usain Bolt, photographed with people with [...]
Issue 4 – 2012
This issue of the magazine demonstrates that time never stands still and that life rushes by at an incredible speed, so that, what is news one day suddenly becomes history! First of all, although we are already in the second month of 2013, I would like [...]
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.