International Epilepsy Day 2025 – Meaning, history and observance

To increase epilepsy awareness and to make more and more people know about the illness, its symptoms and preventive measures, International Epilepsy Awareness Day is observed on the second Monday of February every year. This yearly event is managed and organized by two organizations namely, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE). It discusses the impact that epilepsy has on individuals, families as well as the larger sections of the society. Let us read about it in detail.

What is International Epilepsy Day?

As discussed above, International Epilepsy Day is an event that aims to inform people and societies about the influence that epilepsy has on people at large. It is done by means of various educational and informative programs like seminars, campaigns, International Epilepsy Day poster, International Epilepsy Day logo and so on.  Let’s understand what epilepsy is all about before getting into its further details.

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system where the activity of the brain becomes abnormal, which in turn causes seizures. These seizures are usually stages of abnormal behaviour that might include loss of awareness, unconsciousness, sensations etc. Epilepsy occurs due to genetic disorder or through brain injury and it causes abnormal behaviour of the brain.

Epilepsy is also known as seizure disorder and it is a neurological condition. Under this condition, some electrical activities take place in the brain and that causes recurrent seizures. There are over 65 million people across the globe who suffer from epilepsy. However, it is still seen as a stigma to society.

Hence, International Epilepsy Day is observed to educate people in general about epilepsy and how to take better care of such patients.

History of International Epilepsy Day

International Epilepsy Day is the idea of two organizations namely, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE). These two organizations have been organizing various campaigns and events since the inception of the day to guide people about the conditions and its effects.  The day is celebrated with a unique theme every year. It is observed in over 120 countries across the globe.

How is International Epilepsy Day Observed?

On International Epilepsy Day, various activities are organized worldwide to raise awareness about epilepsy. These include:

• Educational Campaigns: Events and workshops aimed at teaching people about epilepsy, its causes, and how it can be managed.
• Social Media Campaigns: Many people share information about epilepsy on social media using hashtags like #EpilepsyDay and #InternationalEpilepsyDay.
• Lighting Landmarks in Purple: Many landmarks around the world are lit up in purple, the color symbolizing epilepsy awareness.
• Fundraising Events: Charities and organizations raise funds for epilepsy research and support for patients.
• Support Groups and Community Gatherings: People come together to offer support to those with epilepsy, share their experiences, and talk about ways to improve the quality of life for patients.

These events help increase public understanding of epilepsy and encourage people to become more supportive of those living with the condition.