International Epilepsy Day

International Epilepsy Day is a global awareness initiative led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). It is a global awareness event to increase understanding of epilepsy and combat stigma and misinformation around the world (International Epilepsy Day, 2026).

Over 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological conditions in the world. Despite how common it is, epilepsy remains widely misunderstood. This is particularly seen in low- and middle-income countries, where people with epilepsy live without reliable access to diagnosis and treatment (International Epilepsy Day, 2026; World, 2024).

Why awareness matters:

Epilepsy is not just a medical condition, but a social one. While many people can manage their seizures effectively with the right treatment, misinformation and stigma continue to shape how they are treated at school, in the workplace, and in society. Lack of awareness leads to delayed diagnosis, poor seizure first aid, social exclusion, and unnecessary fear – all of which significantly worsen quality of life. Raising awareness helps challenge the misconceptions, improves safety and support in everyday settings, and pushes epilepsy into the public and policy conversations (Epilepsy Foundation, 2025; Internation Epilepsy Day, 2026).

Exercise and Epilepsy:

Contrary to long-standing myths that physical activity can trigger seizures, modern research shows that regular, moderate exercise is associated with fewer seizures in many people with epilepsy. A systematic review concluded that people with epilepsy should be encouraged to stay physically active to enhance quality of life, reduce comorbidities, and potentially have a positive effect on seizure frequency (van den Bongard et. al., 2020). However, the type and frequency of seizures, as well as the underlying syndrome, should be taken into consideration.

Other clinical studies have found that structured exercise – including moderate aerobic training and yoga – are linked with fewer seizures, better mood, and even improved cognition (Häfele et. al., 2021; Ilae.org, 2021).

What you can do:

• Raise awareness – share stories to help normalise discussions about epilepsy.
• Educate yourself and others – first aid seizure awareness helps people respond calmly and correctly, reducing injury and ensuring timely medical assistance when needed. Simple actions such as staying calm, cushioning the person’s head, removing nearby hazards, and allowing the seizure to run its course can prevent serious injury.
• Support advocacy and research – support epilepsy organisations, donate or advocate for better access to treatment and healthcare services.
• Wear or feature purple – purple is recognised as the colour for epilepsy, incorporate it into your outfit to stand in solidarity.

International Epilepsy Day matters because epilepsy is real, common, and too often misunderstood. It affects millions of lives – not just through seizures, but through stigma, inequality of care, and lack of awareness. This day serves to educate, challenge the misconceptions, and push for better treatment access for everyone living with epilepsy.

References:

Epilepsy Foundation. (2025). International Epilepsy Day | Epilepsy Foundation. https://www.epilepsy.com/volunteer/spreading-awareness/international-epilepsy-day‌

Häfele, C.A., Rombaldi, A.J., Feter, N., Häfele, V., Gervini, B.L., Domingues, M.R. and da Silva, M.C. (2021). Effects of an exercise program on health of people with epilepsy: A randomized clinical trial. Epilepsy & Behavior, 117, p.107904. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107904.

Ilae.org. (2021). Stop stigma, start exercising: How clinicians can encourage people with epilepsy to engage in physical activity // International League Against Epilepsy. https://www.ilae.org/journals/epigraph/epigraph-vol-25-issue-1-winter-2023/stop-stigma-start-exercising-how-clinicians-can-encourage-people-with-epilepsy-to-engage-in-physical-activity

International Epilepsy Day. (2026). International Epilepsy Day | International Epilepsy Charity. https://internationalepilepsyday.org/

World (2024). Epilepsy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy

van den Bongard, F., Hamer, H.M., Sassen, R. and Reinsberger, C. (2020). Sport and physical activity in epilepsy. Deutsches Aerzteblatt Online, 117(1-2). doi:https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2020.0001.