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The second Monday of February each year is International Epilepsy Day, and Epilepsy Awareness Day is recognized annually on March 26.  These days were created to increase the public’s understanding of this brain disorder, raise awareness of epilepsy, share seizure first aid, eliminate the stigma surrounding epilepsy, and to highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families, and caregivers.  With over 3.5 million in the United States and 110,000 people in Georgia diagnosed with epilepsy, it is likely you may know someone living with the challenges epilepsy brings.

Since epilepsy is more prevalent than you may have realized, it’s important to be aware of seizure first aid.  If you are with some having a seizure or witness an individual having a seizure, try to:

• Stay calm and remain with the person
• Keep them safe and protect them from injury
• Put something soft under their head
• After the seizure is over, roll them on their side if they have food or fluid in their mouth
• Reassure the person until they can recover
• Do not put anything into their mouth, or restrain or move the person unless they are in danger.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, located in Sandy Springs, provides community education and a wide-ranging set of programs and services to improve the life of individuals living with epilepsy.  Among the resources provided are medication assistance information; support groups for adults parents, and children; and a vocational program geared towards helping individuals living with epilepsy find gainful employment.

People with epilepsy may experience discrimination at work or school due to the myths and misconceptions associated with epilepsy, and the stigma associated with epilepsy may be the biggest struggle of an individual’s epilepsy journey.  The Epilepsy Foundation has launched a campaign to reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy called “Change Our Epilepsy Story.”  One in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy in their lifetime, which means epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  So, join the movement, and let’s become educated and understanding of those afflicted with this neurological disorder.

By Starr Joyce, LaGrange resident, mother of a son with epilepsy, and an epilepsy awareness advocate