International Epilepsy Day shines a light on the challenges faced by people living with epilepsy every second Monday of February. This global awareness day educates the public about seizure disorders and combats stigma. Join millions worldwide to learn, advocate, and provide better care for those affected.
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Expected International Epilepsy Day Deals
For International Epilepsy Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial awareness and fundraising efforts. Organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation will launch campaigns encouraging donations and participation in advocacy. Pharmaceutical companies such as UCB and Eisai often partner with patient groups to amplify educational messages and support research initiatives. Retailers like CVS Health may feature in-store information or donation-matching programs for epilepsy-related charities. Look for local community events, virtual webinars, and social media drives from groups like the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and events as February approaches.
Platform Guide for International Epilepsy Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalEpilepsyDay. Share infographics, personal stories, and facts to raise awareness.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalEpilepsyDay. Join global conversations, share research updates, and advocate for policy changes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalEpilepsyDay. Share event details, community resources, and encourage discussions.
International Epilepsy Day Hero
John Hughlings Jackson
History of International Epilepsy Day
International Epilepsy Day is the brainchild of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy. The two organizations have put together various events on the day since its inception.
Almost every year, a theme is chosen to guide the events of the day. In 2018, the theme was ‘This is Me,’ in 2016, it was ‘Yes, I can!’ and in 2017, it was ‘Putting Epilepsy in the Picture.’ In 2015, there was no official theme because it was the first occurrence of the holiday. There was also no theme chosen in 2019.
Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest-known medical conditions, with records dating back to the beginning of recorded history. Of course, back then, it was treated as a spiritual condition. In 2000 B.C., an ancient Mesopotamian text described a person who underwent an exorcism under the influence of a moon god. Ancient Babylonians attributed seizures to possession by evil spirits. The ancient Greeks also considered epilepsy to be spiritual possession, but they associated it with genius and divine interventions.
The stigma associated with epilepsy is also historical. In ancient Rome, people did not eat or drink from the same plates or pots as people living with epilepsy. Up to the second half of the 20th century, in some parts of Africa, epilepsy was believed to be contagious and a result of possession, witchcraft, or poisoning.
Epilepsy is such a part of documented history that it is mentioned in the “Code of Hammurabi,” the longest, best-organized, and best-preserved legal text from the ancient Near East. In the Code, it is referred to as a condition under which a slave may be returned for a refund. Epilepsy also gets a mention in an ancient Egyptian medical text called “The Edwin Smith Papyrus.”
Today, International Epilepsy Day is commemorated in more than 120 countries all over the world.
International Epilepsy Day timeline
The oldest detailed record of epilepsy is found in a Babylonian cuneiform medical text called the “Sakikku.”
At a time when most people treated epilepsy as being spiritual, Hippocrates insists that it is a medically treatable problem originating in the brain.
An antiepileptic medication, bromide, is used effectively for the first time.
Dr. Robert Fisher, leader of the International League Against Epilepsy taskforce, publishes a new definition of the disease in an editorial called “A Revised Definition of Epilepsy.”
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Epilepsy Day
Local businesses can honor International Epilepsy Day by organizing educational sessions for employees to raise awareness and reduce stigma in the workplace. Restaurants might offer a special ‘purple-themed’ menu item, donating a portion of proceeds to an epilepsy charity. Retailers could display informational posters or partner with local advocacy groups to distribute literature, fostering a more informed and supportive community.
International Epilepsy Day FAQs
When is International Epilepsy Day?
In 2027, International Epilepsy Day falls on Monday, February 8. It serves as a crucial day for advocacy and community support for those living with epilepsy.
How many people live with epilepsy?
Globally, around 65 million individuals are affected by epilepsy, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and improved access to treatment and care in 2027.
What is the primary goal of International Epilepsy Day?
For 2027, the day’s main objective remains to foster a better understanding of epilepsy, promote open dialogue, and advocate for the rights and well-being of people living with the disorder.
Is epilepsy a mental illness?
In 2027, it’s important to reiterate that epilepsy is a brain disorder, not a mental health condition. This distinction is crucial to reducing stigma and ensuring individuals receive appropriate neurological care rather than misdiagnosis.
How to Observe International Epilepsy Day
Attend an event
Hundreds of events take place all around the world. You can use the hashtag #InternationalEpilepsyDay to find an event close to you, where you can get some much-needed information about the disease from experts and listen to people living with epilepsy share their experiences
Donate
You can donate money to the Epilepsy Foundation on International Epilepsy Day. This money will accelerate therapies for seizures and maybe fund research to finally find a cure for epilepsy.
Wear purple
Purple is the official awareness color of epilepsy, so you can add a splash of the color to your outfit on International Epilepsy Day. You can dye your hair purple, use some purple nail polish or wear a purple tie — the point is to have some purple somewhere on your body.
5 Little-Known Facts About Epilepsy
Marriage, terminated
Until 1971, epilepsy was considered grounds for the annulment of marriage in the United States.
It can hinder driving
People living with epilepsy are at twice the risk of being involved in a motor vehicular collision and in some countries, a person must be free from seizures for up to three years before they can be allowed to drive.
Not all seizures involve jerking
During seizures, some people simply wander around, and appear vacant and confused.
It has a patron saint
Saint Valentine is recognized in the Christian world as the patron saint of people living with epilepsy
Prince had it
The popular musician, Prince, is just one of many celebrities and public figures who suffered from epilepsy
Why International Epilepsy Day is Important
It breaks a culture of silence
When people speak about epilepsy, it is often in hushed tones, as if talking about the disease out loud would summon a seizure. This culture of silence means that there is a lack of information and a lot of misinformation about the disease. International Epilepsy Day works to erase the stigma surrounding epilepsy and provide some helpful information about it.
Too many people die of epilepsy
Every year, more than one in 1,000 people die suddenly due to epilepsy. Part of this is because, in many countries, they do not receive appropriate treatment because people, even medical professionals, do not have enough information about how to treat the disease.
It allows people to find a community
People living with epilepsy can often feel alone or alienated in their experiences. International Epilepsy Day helps them find a community of people like them who can understand their experiences and provide support for them.
International Epilepsy Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 9 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 8 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 14 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 12 | Monday |
| 2030 | February 11 | Monday |
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