National Epilepsy Awareness Month: Uniting for Change and Understanding

November is here, marking an important time for the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) and those affected by this condition across the nation. This year's theme, "All In," invites everyone to participate in National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) by taking actionable steps towards raising awareness and advocating for the nearly 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy.

The push to go "All In" reflects a message of solidarity and commitment, encouraging individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and communities to unite for change. With epilepsy being one of the most prevalent neurological disorders, understanding it better is crucial. Statistics show that 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy. Despite these prevalent figures, many people still harbor misconceptions that can lead to fear and stigma surrounding the condition.

Bernice Martin Lee, the CEO of the EFA, emphasizes the importance of collective effort. She states, "National Epilepsy Awareness Month is about unity and action. When we say we're 'All In', we mean that every person can play a part in empowering the epilepsy community. This month is an invitation to go beyond awareness to be all in for inclusion, education, research, and compassion."

To be a part of this year's initiative, people can engage in various activities: learning about seizure first aid, donning purple apparel, sharing their personal stories about living with epilepsy, or participating in local community events. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement aimed at dismantling stigma and fostering a more inclusive environment for those living with this condition.

One innovative way to be "All In" is through participation in EmpowERD™, a secure online platform allowing people with epilepsy and their caregivers to input their health information. By connecting their electronic medical records, users can help build a comprehensive dataset essential for epilepsy research. Sharing health data ultimately drives discoveries, informs new treatments, and ensures that research is aligned with real-life experiences. To discover more, individuals are encouraged to visit epilepsy.com/empowERD.

As part of the awareness campaign, the EFA also encourages community members to reach out to their local elected officials and advocate for critical research funding and improved access to care. Joining the conversation on social media is another impactful way to contribute, using hashtags like #NEAM2025 and #AllInForEpilepsy to spread the word.

Understanding epilepsy goes beyond the medical aspects; it includes recognizing the psychological challenges faced by many. People with epilepsy often deal with fatigue, memory issues, mood fluctuations, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, which can significantly impact their daily lives. The condition has far-reaching effects, not only on the individuals diagnosed but also on their families and support networks.

The Epilepsy Foundation of America has been at the forefront of advancing awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for beneficial policies for over 50 years. By funding vital research and providing resources, they aim to enhance the lives of those impacted by epilepsy.

To learn more about the "All In" campaign and how you can help, visit epilepsy.com/neam. It's a month to not only raise awareness but to also embrace the power of community action. Let’s come together, be vocal, and show that when it comes to epilepsy, we are all a part of the solution.