KNOW EPILEPSY Education
Epilepsy is not a mental illness, nor is it a sign of low intelligence. It is not contagious. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where abnormal electrical impulses in the brain trigger seizures. During a seizure, a person may experience muscle spasms, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, staring spells, or a sudden need to sleep.
Without medication to control seizures (and even with medication, in some cases), individuals with epilepsy are at risk of experiencing frequent seizures.
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KNOW EPILEPSY Campaign
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Epilepsy is one of the most misunderstood, underfunded, and underrecognized neurological disorders in the U.S. It affects the well-being of over 30,000 individuals in Shelby County and more than 6,700 in Desoto County, all living with active epilepsy.
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The KNOW EPILEPSY campaign, supported by the Foundation’s ongoing efforts, aims to raise public awareness, provide education, advocate for change, and expand community services. Unfortunately, societal misconceptions about epilepsy have caused people to avoid discussing it. This campaign seeks to change that by helping the public understand epilepsy’s connection to the neurological condition that causes it. We hope to replace fear and avoidance with empathy and informed action when someone experiences a seizure.
The misunderstanding surrounding epilepsy leads to social challenges like bullying, discrimination, and depression. People are often reluctant to talk about it, but this issue can no longer be ignored in our communities. Over the course of a lifetime, one in 10 people will experience a seizure, and one in 26 will be diagnosed with epilepsy. There are more people living with epilepsy than with autism, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy combined.
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KNOW EPILEPSY will shift the conversation from ignorance to understanding. Our goal is to end the stigma, silence, and lack of funding for epilepsy care. A key component of this campaign is educating the public on seizure recognition and first aid. People with epilepsy are 30% more likely to experience accidental injuries related to their seizures compared to the general population. With knowledge of seizure first aid, we can help reduce injuries and save lives.
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Thousands of people die each year in the U.S. from SUDEP and seizure-related causes. Seizures can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It's essential that everyone learns seizure first aid to prevent injuries and potentially save lives. Together, we can change the way people perceive epilepsy and seizures.
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The mission of this program is to educate the general public—local businesses, schools, universities, and communities—about epilepsy and SUDEP awareness, and to ensure people know how to recognize a seizure and administer first aid.
