Epilepsy Foundation

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. The Epilepsy & Seizures 24/7 Helpline has trained information specialists standing by to answer your questions about epilepsy and seizures and provide you with help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. Call us at 1-800-332-1000 or visit: https://lnkd.in/eeV97W83

Take our #SeizureFirstAidReady course and learn the essential steps to help someone during a seizure. In only 30 minutes, you'll gain the knowledge you need to make a difference. Plus, you'll earn a certificate of completion! https://lnkd.in/eiWcZMAY

Fall is in the air and it's officially time for #PurplePumpkinProject2024! Sign up today and create a fundraising page to help us raise awareness and funds for the 1 in 26 people who will be affected by epilepsy: https://lnkd.in/e9cVJcRx

I’m 16 years old and was diagnosed with epilepsy at 14 after experiencing a seizure at school. It was a regular day with my friends and teachers. I remember bumping my head on the table and then everything went blank. I woke up in the medical room and my mum told me I had a seizure. Since my diagnosis, I haven’t been as bubbly or as confident as I was before. I'm tired all the time, and I have headaches and more recently hair loss. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know how to take the news. All of my independence was gone, just like that. I got negative comments all throughout high school and the school didn’t do anything about it, leading to me feeling suicidal. I don’t want anyone to go through what I have gone through, so I am working to raise awareness in schools and in the public. I organized a petition in England and it has nearly 2,300 signatures. I also blog about my experiences. I was nominated for a National Diversity Award, and even appeared on the front page of my local newspaper and on the Lancashire Telegraph. I’m currently working on many projects and fundraisers raising epilepsy awareness. My friends, family, and boyfriend are all very supportive of me and my work, which helps to not feel so alone. My goal when I leave school next year is to save up to buy epilepsy packs and donate them to schools through assemblies all across England.

SUDEP Action Day on Oct. 16 is a crucial time to raise awareness about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). This year’s theme, #OurRisksOurRights, highlights the importance of understanding and reducing risks while prioritizing safety. Join us and our partners in continuing the conversation about SUDEP. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eRYAjUPV #SUDEPActionDay2024

Our latest webinar, "Epilepsy and CVI Connection Awareness," is now available on YouTube! Hear from experts and parents dedicated to raising awareness and improving outcomes for children with these co-occurring conditions. https://lnkd.in/eMXEM8ck

Managing your anti-seizure medication is crucial. With the right planning and care, you can safely and effectively manage your pregnancy and your epilepsy. Here are some common questions and answers from the Epilepsy & Pregnancy Medical Consortium: https://lnkd.in/e7fePETU

Initially, Colleen felt shame and embarrassment after her epilepsy diagnosis. Read how she now manages life with seizures, finding inner peace along the way. By sharing stories like Colleen’s through the #ChangeOurEpilepsyStory campaign, we aim to spark meaningful conversations and inspire others to share their own experiences with epilepsy. https://lnkd.in/ew6emuek

Connect with fellow epilepsy warriors and allies in a virtual space full of understanding, encouragement, and shared experiences. You don’t have to face it alone—find your support group today: https://lnkd.in/efQQjj5s

The Epilepsy Foundation of America is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Rhyker Earl. The investigation into Mr. Earl’s death is still ongoing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this loss. Mr. Earl had epilepsy and experienced seizures for more than seven years. The Epilepsy Foundation of America is dedicated to spreading epilepsy and seizure awareness. This incident highlights a critical need for greater understanding of seizures and the postictal period — a state of confusion and disorientation that can occur following a seizure. It is critical for all law enforcement and public safety officers to know how to recognize and respond to a person experiencing a seizure and its aftermath. It is also important for them to protect the rights of the individual and ensure their safety, in addition to their own safety. The Epilepsy Foundation of America provides training and resources to help law enforcement and first responders recognize the signs of seizures and appropriately interact with people with epilepsy including in a postictal state. Our Seizure Recognition and First Aid training, available both online and in-person, provides information on how to offer compassionate and effective assistance during these vulnerable moments. For more details on our public training programs, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com. The Epilepsy Foundation of America encourages all law enforcement and public safety officers to be trained on seizure first aid and recognition to respond safely in the event of a health emergency. The Foundation offers a training course specifically tailored to law enforcement personnel; instructors are available for in-person trainings by request. More information is available at: https://lnkd.in/eevMH5AT. Together, we can work toward a future where all individuals with epilepsy are understood, supported, and treated with the respect they deserve.