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Click here to download this report. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and knows no geographical, racial or social boundaries. It can begin at any age, but is most frequently diagnosed in children, adolescents and the elderly. Epilepsy provides the finest example of a neurological disorder for which cost-effective treatment is available. Up to 70% of people with this condition could live productive and fulfilling lives, free from seizures, if appropriately diagnosed and treated. Yet epilepsy continues to take a heavy toll on those who suffer from the condition. The cost of epilepsy is by no means restricted to the individuals suffering from the condition but also extends to their families. The costs are not only the direct costs of providing care and services but also indirect costs in terms of lost opportunities and productivity. Furthermore the imperceptible costs of stigma and discrimination add immeasurably to the physical, psychological, social and economic consequences of individuals and their families. One of the common consequences of discrimination and the associated stigma, is that patients and their families do not seek treatment even when it is available, accessible and affordable. Since its launch in 1997 by ILAE, IBE and WHO, the [...]

Click here to download this report. Epilepsy is responsible for an enormous amount of suffering. On the African continent it affects 10.000.000 people directly. They are of all ages, but especially within childhood, adolescence and the ageing population. Epilepsy provides the clearest example of a neurological disorder for which effective and costefficient treatment is available. Recent studies both in the developing and in the developed world revealed that if properly treated up to 70% of people with this condition could live productive and fulfilling lives, free from seizures. Yet in developing countries up to 90% of the people who have this condition, and sometimes even more, are excluded from care and consequently remain in the shadow of this treatment gap. One of the reasons for this is that in many parts of the world there is a grave social stigma attached to epilepsy. People believe that epilepsy is contagious and hesitate to help or touch the person who has fallen during a seizure. The stigma of epilepsy also has a great influence on the education of children and young people. The solutions to these problems are too complex to be solved by individual organizations. Therefore the three most important international organizations [...]

Click here to download this report. The burden of epilepsy in the Western Pacific Region of WHO is as extensive and serious as in any other region of the world. Epidemiological surveys in several countries have shown high incidence and prevalence of epilepsy, with high associated disability and high rates of serious complications, including physical injury and premature mortality. Studies have also demonstrated that most people with epilepsy do not receive appropriate treatment. The “treatment gap” in less developed countries is an estimated 70% to 95%. Safe, effective and inexpensive medication exists that can control seizures in most people with epilepsy but a range of cultural, economic and other factors can prevent them from receiving the treatment they need. In 2001, three initiatives came together, marking an unprecedented opportunity to remedy this situation in the Western Pacific Region. These were: (1) continued implementation of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy (GCAE), launched in 1997; (2) the adoption of epilepsy as a priority in the Regional Strategy for Mental Health which was endorsed by the 52nd Regional Committee of the Western Pacific Region in Brunei Darussalam in September 2001; and (3) the inclusion of epilepsy as a priority condition in the World Health [...]

Click here to download this report. Epilepsy affects about 1% of the population of the South-East Asia Region of WHO thus there are approximately 15 million people with epilepsy in the Region. Despite global advances in modern medicine, epilepsy continues to be surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Patients with epilepsy may be taken to faith healers rather than medical doctors, and only 10-20% of all patients with epilepsy receive appropriate treatment. People with epilepsy and their families have suffered ostracism by society and deprived of treatment, leading to frequent injuries and sometimes, death. The situation is particularly bad in rural and remote areas where almost no services for epilepsy are available. However, as we take courage from the fact that 70 to 80% of people with epilepsy can lead normal lives if properly treated, it is time to introspect as to why 80 to 90% of people with epilepsy are not being treated at all. We must find answers and take appropriate action now. In cooperation with the governments of Member Countries, SEARO hopes to launch nationwide projects in each country to reduce the treatment gap in epilepsy. To carry forward this ambitious project, SEARO recognizes that the support of multiple [...]

Click here to download this report. In Europe, at least 6 million people have epilepsy, and 15 million Europeans will have one seizure at some time in their lives. Nevertheless, in some countries of Europe, epilepsy is not recognized as a brain disorder, and up to 40% of people with this condition may be untreated – the treatment gap. Epilepsy is a treatable condition and relatively cheap medication is available. Professionals who treat people with epilepsy, however, often do not have sufficient specialized knowledge of the condition, and, in some countries, antiepileptic drugs are not always available or are not affordable and diagnostic facilities are lacking or are inadequate. It has been estimated that the 6 million people with active epilepsy in Europe cost over € 20 billion per year, and despite this, very few European countries have national plans for managing the disorder. Epilepsy continues to take its toll, impairing the physical, psychological and social functioning of those affected and equally causes serious psychological, social and economic consequences for their families. People with epilepsy, and sometimes their family members, are often stigmatized, generating a hidden burden which discourages them from seeking the diagnosis and care they require. Stigma leads to [...]

Epilepsy and Employment: a guide for workers and employers A guidebook on epilepsy and employment, geared at people with epilepsy and their employers, has been published in Australia by Epilepsy ACT. The publication was launched at the Australian Capital Territory’s Legislative Assembly in May 2011, with Senator Gary Humphries acting as Master of Ceremonies and Minister Joy Burch introducing the publication. The publication has been well received by Australian politicians and by people with epilepsy and their carers. Prior to publication, the document was checked by five lawyers and was also reviewed by a focus group of persons with epilepsy. While the publication will undoubtedly be of interest to people with epilepsy globally, please note that any reference to legislation refers to Australian law only and is likely to be different in other countries. We would like to thank Jacinta Cummins and her colleagues at Epilepsy ACT for sharing the document with us. Click here to download Epilepsy and the Workplace: a guide for workers and employers.