November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM). It aims to educate people about the symptoms of epilepsy and raise funds for research. People can get involved by sharing their stories and participating in fundraising activities.
In the United States, roughly
The CDC describe epilepsy as a seizure disorder that occurs due to many different conditions that affect a person’s brain, including meningitis and genetic disorders. These seizures occur due to a disruption of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily disturbs the messaging systems between brain cells.
NEAM aims to encourage people to learn more about the condition, its symptoms, and how to support people living with epilepsy. This article explains the importance of this month and how a person can get involved.
NEAM happens annually in November. Every year, The Epilepsy Foundation chooses a theme that focuses on encouraging people to collaborate and take action in raising awareness and funds for epilepsy.
During the month, people can get involved by participating in various activities such as campaigning, fundraising, volunteering, and learning or educating others about first aid practice for epilepsy.
Various charities and organizations promote NEAM using the #MyNEAMAction hashtag on social media.
A person can show their support by wearing a purple ribbon every day during November. This promotes further visibility and can help spark conversations about NEAM and motivate others to get involved.
People can also buy and wear epilepsy awareness merchandise, such as T-shirts, branded tote bags, and wristbands. The proceeds from many of these purchases go to organizations that fund research and treatment for epilepsy.
There are several ways an individual can get involved during Epilepsy Awareness Month, including the following:
Learning first aid and CPR
A person with epilepsy can have a seizure unexpectedly. Joining a
The Epilepsy Foundation also offers free, downloadable posters to hang up at home, school, and in the workplace.
Donating and fundraising
Donating and fundraising to a reputable epilepsy organization helps raise funds for new research for treatments.
During NEAM, people may want to consider making donations to one or more of the following organizations or charities:
- Purple Day Every Day
- The Epilepsy Foundation
- The International League Against Epilepsy
- Cure Epilepsy
Volunteering
The Epilepsy Foundation offers virtual and local volunteering opportunities. Some of the ways a person can volunteer include:
- hosting an event
- organizing sponsored walks
- delivering educational talks
- distributing resources and information to families in the community
Raising awareness on social media
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Here are some ideas on different ways people can use their accounts to advocate and educate others about epilepsy:
- Sharing tagged posts: People can use the #NEAM hashtag for National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
- Including links: It is helpful to post links to upcoming walks, donation pages, and reputable epilepsy organizations where people can contribute.
It is important that people who donate money to epilepsy charities know where those organizations invest their money and how their contributions help find cures and save lives.
The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance reports that nonprofit organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation should spend no more than 35% on fundraising and at least 65% of their total expenses on research, programs, and services.
Charity Navigator awarded four stars to the Epilepsy Foundation, which indicates that they adhere to good governance and execute their mission in a financially responsible way.
Here are some important
- It is a brain disorder that causes seizures.
- Epilepsy can result from different conditions including a brain tumor or stroke.
- It affects around 3 million adults and 470,000 children in the U.S.
- Recurrent seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Some seizures affect the entire surface of the brain, whereas another type may affect only one side of the body.
- Doctors may treat the condition with antiepileptic medications, diet therapy, and surgery.
- Epilepsy is not curable. However, treatment for the condition can help people manage it.
Epilepsy resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on epilepsy and seizures.
There is information and support available for people affected by epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Foundation provides information on various networks for individual and family services that aim to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy. It also provides valuable information for caregivers on its website.
Epilepsy is a serious condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures.
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM). This occasion aims to get people talking about epilepsy and raise awareness of the condition, which affects millions worldwide.
People can spread the word about NEAM by sharing social media posts using the #MyNEAMAction hashtag or wearing a purple ribbon. They can also donate money, organize a fundraiser, volunteer, or get involved in campaigning and advocacy work.