International Epilepsy Day 2022: History, Theme, Significance — All You Need To Know

The International Epilepsy Day, observed annually on the second Monday in February, helps to raise epilepsy awareness. This year, International Epilepsy Day is being observed on February 14.

International Epilepsy Day 2022 (Photos: Twitter/@IntEpilepsyDay)

New Delhi: The International Epilepsy Day, observed annually on the second Monday in February, helps to raise epilepsy awareness. This year, International Epilepsy Day is being observed on February 14. 

International Epilepsy Day: History

Started in 2015 and organised by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), International Epilepsy Day provides a platform for people with epilepsy to share their experiences and stories with a global audience. The day also calls for all people to advocate for appropriate legislation that will guarantee human rights of people with epilepsy and encourages people with this medical condition to live to their fullest potential. 

International Epilepsy Day: Significance

International Epilepsy Day is a joint initiative created by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). 

It is a global event celebrated annually on the second Monday of February to promote awareness about epilepsy right around the world, and is a powerful opportunity to highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers, in every region of the world, according to internationalepilepsyday.org. There is IBE and ILAE representation in more than 140 countries.

The common thread for all celebrations on International Epilepsy Day is the desire to highlight epilepsy and to bring attention to the need for better awareness and understanding, appropriate legislation, improved diagnosis, and treatment services, and increased research in order to better the lives of all those affected by epilepsy.

This is a day for everyone and every organisation, no matter who you are, no matter how small your group or how wide your geographical spread, and no matter whether your focus is on the medical or on the social aspects of the disease.

Despite the fact that epilepsy is one of the world's oldest known medical conditions, public fear and misunderstanding about epilepsy persist. This makes many people reluctant to talk about it, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy and seizure disorders. 

The reluctance to talk about epilepsy leads to lives lived in the shadows, lack of understanding about individual risk, discrimination in workplaces and communities, and a lack of funding for new therapies research. 

People with epilepsy die prematurely at a higher rate compared to the general population, the Epilepsy Foundation said on its website. The most common cause of death from epilepsy is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, known as SUDEP. 

International Epilepsy Day seeks to raise awareness and educate the general public on the true facts about epilepsy and the urgent need for improved treatment, better care, and investment in research, and is the opportunity for all stakeholders to join together and speak with one global voice. 

International Epilepsy Day 2022: Theme

The theme of International Epilepsy Day this year is '50 Million Steps For Epilepsy'. As part of this campaign, people are required to complete their steps between Monday, January 10 and Monday, February 14, 2022, according to 50millionsteps.org, an initiative of IBE.

As many as 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy. The idea behind the campaign is to raise awareness of this and to raise vital funds for epilepsy organisations across the world. 

Over 85 million steps have been walked so far. 

People have been asked to match their steps with a small donation. 

The 50 Million Steps for Epilepsy campaign provides an opportunity to fundraise for much needed resources for epilepsy patient groups and associations around the world. The campaign intends to raise awareness, to improve visibility, and to increase understanding of epilepsy.