Notice to Readers: National Epilepsy Awareness Month— November 2007

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month! Epilepsy, which currently affects approximately 3 million persons in the United States, is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Delayed recognition of these seizures and subsequent inadequate treatment increases the risk for additional seizures, brain injury, disability, decreased health-related quality of life, and death from injuries incurred during a seizure.

Although epilepsy can occur at any age, the condition primarily affects children and older adults. The  number of cases among older adults is increasing as the U.S. population ages. The effects of epilepsy also can affect the transition to adult activities (ex: driving and working).

The Epilepsy Foundation (EF), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is continuing a national campaign to use public education and programs that foster community awareness to improve the health care and community support available to persons affected by epilepsy. The theme for the foundation's program through 2008 is "Not another moment lost to seizures."

Campaign activities include school-based health-education programs, community workshops for diverse audiences and training for older adults and their caregivers. In addition, EF has developed pilot curricula for police and emergency response personnel to increase recognition and appropriate management of persons who are having seizures and to reduce numbers of arrests of persons with epilepsy who are exhibiting seizure-related behaviors that are mistaken as other behaviors (ex: perceived intoxication or disorderly conduct). To address the impact of head trauma on military veterans, EF is establishing a study group to outline public education programs and training for the Department of Veterans Affairs health-care system. EF also will implement a pilot comprehensive employment program to educate employers about epilepsy in the workplace. Partnerships with other national and local organizations have been established to provide programs in public education and community awareness; these organizations include the National Association of School Nurses, AARP, Community Health Workers/Promotores National Network, National Council of La Raza, National Center for Farm worker Health, and East Coast Community Health Centers Association.

Information regarding epilepsy and the national campaign is available from the Epilepsy Foundation by telephone, 800-332-1000, or online at http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org.