International Epilepsy Day
The Epilepsy Foundation is proud to join the epilepsy community in recognizing the second Monday in February as International Epilepsy Day.
What is International Epilepsy Day?
Started in 2015 and organized by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the 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 epilepsy to live to their fullest potential. The Epilepsy Foundation is a full member of IBE.
Despite being one of the world's oldest known medical conditions, public fear and misunderstanding about epilepsy persist, making many people reluctant to talk about it. That reluctance 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 most common cause of death from epilepsy is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, known as SUDEP. For many people living with epilepsy, the misconceptions and discrimination can be more difficult to overcome than the seizures themselves.
International Epilepsy Day seeks to raise awareness and educate the general public on the facts about epilepsy and the urgent need for improved treatment, better care, and greater investment in research.
International Epilepsy Day 2026 - February 9th
#EpilepsyDay on Social Media
Join the worldwide effort to increase epilepsy awareness on International Epilepsy Day 2026. Use the hashtags #EpilepsyDay and #EpilepsyPledge on social media to make your voice heard.
- This year, the #EpilepsyPledge invites everyone, from individuals to organizations, to take one concrete action in 2026. More than a hashtag, the Epilepsy Pledge is a commitment to do one thing for epilepsy awareness and inclusion, standing with the millions of people affected by epilepsy.
- Use the #EpilepsyDay badge on your social media profiles and share your epilepsy journey.
- Change the header photos on your social media accounts. Download social media graphics for International Epilepsy Day.
- Create your own epilepsy awareness video to share on social media during #EpilepsyDay.
- Share our Seizure First Aid posters which exist in multiple languages!
Other Ways to Get Involved
- Create a Facebook fundraiser to support the Epilepsy Foundation! Your fundraiser will support our mission to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. Follow the steps here. Select “Epilepsy Foundation of America” as your charitable organization.
- Find and attend #EpilepsyDay events happening across the globe.
- Share your story with us on our community blog, eJourney! Your epilepsy story is powerful and can give people hope, empowerment, and safety. Make a difference by raising awareness for epilepsy.
- Become Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certified (On-Demand)! Be prepared and confident in your ability to help in the event of a seizure. Access our free training and receive a 2-year certification upon completion of the course.
Learn More:
Seizure First Aid PostersFacts in Tweet-size Bites
- 65 million people around the world live w/ #epilepsy
- 3.4+ million people in the U.S. live w/ #epilepsy
- 1 in 26 people in the U.S. will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime
- 150,000 new cases of #epilepsy are diagnosed in the U.S. each year
- One-third of people w/ #epilepsy live w/ uncontrolled #seizures because no available treatment works for them
- For 6 out of 10 people w/ #epilepsy the cause is unknown
- Each year, more than 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, known as SUDEP.
- 4 out of 10 people w/ #epilepsy in the industrialized world do not receive appropriate treatment
- 8 out of 10 people w/ #epilepsy in developing nations do not receive appropriate treatment
"Epilepsy is More than Seizures"
Resources
Epilepsy Centers
Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.
Epilepsy Medication
Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Resources
Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.
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