Epilepsy
/ˈɛpɪlɛpsi/ From late Latin/Greek epilēpsia, epilambanein ‘seize’, epi ‘upon’.
Epilepsy is a brain disease characterized by abnormal electrical activity that causes seizures or unusual behaviors and sensations, and sometimes loss of consciousness, which has neurological, cognitive, psychological and social consequences
Epilepsy is a global issue
65
is the estimated number of people around globe who live with epilepsy.
410
of people diagnosed with epilepsy in the United States. 87 new daily epilepsy cases in the United Kingdom.
33
live with uncontrollable seizures because no available treatment works for them.
Source: Epilepsy Foundation | Epilepsy Action
WHO calls for urgent action
Epilepsy, a public health imperative
This report presents encouraging evidence that almost a quarter of epilepsy cases are preventable and 70% of people with epilepsy can live seizure free with low-cost and effective medicines. As evidence from multiple countries shows, it is feasible to integrate epilepsy into primary health care and thereby ensure that all people with epilepsy have access to quality and affordable treatment and services. Read more 🡢
The social burden of epilepsy
Roughly half of adults with epilepsy have at least one other health condition. Psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety, make seizures worse and reduce quality of life. Epilepsy has significant economic implications in terms of health care needs and lost productivity at work.
Stigma and discrimination
In all parts of the world, people with epilepsy are the target of discrimination and human rights violations. The stigma of epilepsy can discourage people from seeking treatment and has consequences for quality of life and social inclusion. Improving knowledge and raising awareness of epilepsy in schools, work places, and communities is needed to reduce stigma.
Treatment gap
Three-quarters of people living with epilepsy in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need. Yet, up to 70% of people with epilepsy could become seizure free with appropriate use of costeffective antiseizure medicines.
Prevention
An estimated 25% of epilepsy cases are preventable. The major modifiable risk factors for epilepsy are: perinatal insults, central nervous system infections, traumatic brain injury and stroke. Preventing epilepsy is an urgent unmet need.
Epilepsy needs awareness
To break the stigma it is necessary to give maximum visibility to the disease. The more we know it all the more understanding and empathy there will be for those affected.
Stigma
Many fight the disease in silence to avoid being rejected from society, which is sadly common due to lack of knowledge of the disease
Between 20% and 55% of people with epilepsy also suffer from depression, but only a small portion are diagnosed and treated.
Uncertainty and epilepsy, a strong correlation
It is impossible to know when a crisis will occur, how long it will last and what negative effects it may have, this in many cases generates depression and anxiety in the patient, aggravating the risk of suffering a crisis.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition of psychosocial reach
For people with epilepsy, social anxiety affects their quality of life. Regardless of who experiences social anxiety, the disorder can have multiple dramatic consequences, including isolation, loss of self-esteem and a deteriorated lifestyle.
WHAT PEOPLE SEE
Society, generally, we associate seizures as the only consequence of the disease.
WHAT PEOPLE SEE
Society, generally, we associate seizures as the only consequence of the disease.
WHAT IT REALLY IS
Epilepsy, but, has many more consequences that hinder the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Generalized social stigma makes it difficult for those affected to communicate what they feel.
WHAT IT REALLY IS
Epilepsy, but, has many more consequences that hinder the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Generalized social stigma makes it difficult for those affected to communicate what they feel.
Exploding myths about epilepsy
Touch the items to reveal explanation
FALSE
Epilepsy is a mental illness
It is wrong to assume someone with epilepsy has a physical disorder as epilepsy itself is not a mental illness.
FALSE
Epilepsy is a rare disease
According to the WHO, 50,000,000 people in the world suffer epilepsy. This means that one in 100 is affected.
FALSE
Flashing lights cause epilepsy
Light flashes only affect people suffering photosensitive epilepsy, which usually affects children and young people. Lights alone do not cause epilepsy.
FALSE
An epileptic seizure causes violent convulsions
There are different degrees of seizures. There are, for example, partial ones, which do not cause loss of consciousness and may even go unnoticed.
FALSE
Epilepsy is contagious through physical contact
There are genetic and physical factors, among others, that can lead to epilepsy, but never physical contact with other people.
FALSE
You should put something in a person’s mouth to stop them from swallowing their tongue during a seizure
It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. You can harm yourself or the person’s teeth, jaw and mouth if you try to force something into their mouth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQd4vRTBToI
mjn-neuro and epilepsy
“Hi, I’m Marina and I’ve had epilepsy for 13 years”
Watch Marina and mjn-neuro's co-founders explain the project
Personal motivation,
aiming for global results
Marina is one of the daughters of David Blánquez, co-founder and CEO of mjn-neuro. The involvement of mjn-neuro with the affected group goes beyond technology, conceiving its value in a social environment.
There are many stories of lives fighting epilepsy
“Enough of being afraid, I will continue to respect you but I will no longer be afraid. Enough that you....”
CésarNot afraid of epilepsy anymore
“The neurologist painted us a horrible picture, told us that the girl would stop talking, that she could not stand....”
Marité, mother of AlaiAlai is diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome
“We must cut with the stigma that we can do nothing and that we are not normal...”
SilvinaTo overcome difficulties
“I have epilepsy from a young age, controlled by medication, but if I sleep little I am more likely...”
LuisaMy epilepsy experience
“We, the parents, are the only ones with this strength to fight for them and to maximize their quality of life.”
Father of ÁlvaroÁlvaro is diagnosed with strange epilepsy triggered by visual patterns
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