This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Epilepsy Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Epilepsy Day is observed on February 13th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Epilepsy Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about International Epilepsy Day.
📅 What day is International Epilepsy Day 2024?
In 2024, International Epilepsy Day is on Monday, February 13th. It is the 2nd Monday in February; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all fascinating details and facts about February 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
International Epilepsy Day, which falls on the second Monday of February (this year, on February 13th), is a significant awareness day that aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a well-known and long-standing medical condition, ranking as the fourth most common neurological ailment. It is characterized by temporary interruptions in brain activity, causing recurring seizures. Despite its global prevalence, with 65 million individuals affected, epilepsy is often stigmatized. The purpose of International Epilepsy Day is to educate people about epilepsy and provide guidance on how to support those living with the condition.
📜 International Epilepsy Day History
Every year, International Epilepsy Day is celebrated with a chosen theme to guide the festivities. The themes in past years have included “This is Me” in 2018, “Yes, I can!” in 2016, and “Putting Epilepsy in the Picture” in 2017. However, there was no official theme in 2015 and 2019.
Epilepsy has a long history, with records dating back to ancient times. It was viewed as a spiritual ailment in the past, with ancient Mesopotamian texts describing exorcisms performed for seizures. The Babylonians believed seizures were caused by demonic spirits, while the ancient Greeks associated epilepsy with genius and divine intervention.
The stigma surrounding epilepsy is not a recent phenomenon. In ancient Rome, people avoided sharing plates or pots with epileptics. In certain regions of Africa, epilepsy was believed to be contagious and linked to possession, witchcraft, or poisoning until the latter half of the twentieth century.
Epilepsy is so significant that it is mentioned in ancient legal works like the “Code of Hammurabi” and medical treatises like “The Edwin Smith Papyrus.” Today, International Epilepsy Day is observed in more than 120 countries worldwide.
✅ International Epilepsy Day Facts
🔖 It can hinder driving
Individuals who have epilepsy have a higher chance of being in a car accident, and some countries require them to be free of seizures for a period of three years before they can drive.
🔖 Not all seizures involve jerking
During seizures, certain individuals may wander aimlessly, displaying a vacant and confused expression.
🔖 Marriage, terminated
Until 1971, epilepsy was considered a valid reason for annulling a marriage in the United States.
👍 Why Is International Epilepsy Day Important
People often speak about epilepsy in hushed tones, as if discussing the disorder aloud will cause a seizure. Because of this culture of silence, there is a paucity of knowledge and a great deal of misinformation regarding the condition. International Epilepsy Day seeks to remove the stigma associated with epilepsy and give useful information about it.
Every year, more than one in every 1,000 people dies unexpectedly as a result of epilepsy. Part of this is due to the fact that they do not receive appropriate treatment in many countries because people, including medical professionals, do not have enough information about how to treat the disease.
People who have epilepsy may feel isolated or alone in their experiences. International Epilepsy Day assists individuals in finding a community of people who understand and support their experiences.
🙂 How To Observe International Epilepsy Day
⚡ Wear purple
⚡ Attend an event
There are numerous events taking place worldwide, providing an opportunity for people to expand their knowledge about epilepsy and hear personal experiences from individuals living with the condition. By using the hashtag #InternationalEpilepsyDay, you can easily find an event near your location. These events are facilitated by specialists who are well-versed in epilepsy and offer a platform to learn more about the condition.
⚡ Donate
Purple is the official epilepsy awareness color, so you may include it in your costume on International Epilepsy Day. You may wear a purple tie, color your hair purple, or apply purple nail polish-the objective is to have some purple on your body.
📅 When is International Epilepsy Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | February 13 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | February 13 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 13 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13 | Sunday |
View all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.
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