International Epilepsy Day (IED), 2022

In news– International Epilepsy Day (IED) was observed on 14th February 2022.

About International Epilepsy Day (IED)-

IED promotes awareness of epilepsy in more than 120 countries each year.
Every year on the second Monday of February people join together to celebrate and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers.
The Day is organized jointly by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).

What is Epilepsy?

It is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness.
It is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages.
The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population.
It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

Seizure episodes are a result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells.

Seizures can also vary in frequency, from less than one per year to several per day.
One seizure does not signify epilepsy (up to 10% of people worldwide have one seizure during their lifetime) and Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures.
Epilepsy is not contagious.
Although many underlying disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy, the cause of the disease is still unknown in about 50% of cases globally.
The causes of epilepsy are divided into the following categories: structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune and unknown.
Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes.
Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.
It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure- free if properly diagnosed and treated.

The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)-

The IBE is an incorporated international non-for-profit organization started in 1961, in accordance with law and registered in the District of Columbia, USA.
Its members are from both the lay public and a professional background.
The organization often collaborates with the International League Against Epilepsy to increase understanding about epilepsy.
The Bureau is the recognised international umbrella body representing national epilepsy organizations that have a specific interest in improving the social condition and quality of life of people with epilepsy and their carers.

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)-

ILAE was founded in 1909 and is an organization of more than 120 national chapters.
Its goal is to improve the lives of people with epilepsy through research.
They run the medical journals Epilepsia, Epilepsia Open, and Epileptic Disorders.