EpiFocus Issue 1 – 2011
Click here to download the first issue of EpiFocus 2011 the newsletter of the IBE European Regional Committee.
EU Written Declaration on Epilepsy Receives Strong Support
Declaration No 22-2011 Submitted by Gay Mitchell, Nirj Deva, Marian Harkin, Peter Skinner, Angelika WerthmannThe European Union (EU) Written Declaration on Epilepsy is receiving very good support from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from throughout Europe. The declaration first opened for signatures during the plenary [...]
Epilepsy and Employment: a guide for workers and employers
Epilepsy and Employment: a guide for workers and employers A guidebook on epilepsy and employment, geared at people with epilepsy and their employers, has been published in Australia by Epilepsy ACT. The publication was launched at the Australian Capital Territorys Legislative Assembly in May 2011, with [...]
Stand Up for Epilepsy!
European Union Written Declaration on Epilepsy A Written Declaration on Epilepsy has been submitted to the European Parliament by the recently created European Advocates for Epilepsy Group within the European Parliament on behalf of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy. The [...]
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.