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Notice to Readers: National Epilepsy Awareness Month --- November 2006
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. In 2006, epilepsy affects approximately 3 million persons in the
United States and is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Delayed recognition of seizures and inadequate
treatment increase the risk for subsequent seizures, brain damage, disability, decreased health-related quality of life, and death
from injuries incurred during a seizure.
Epilepsy most often affects young children and older adults, although persons can have epilepsy at any age. The effects
of epilepsy on children can be especially problematic as they transition into adult activities (e.g., driving and working).
The number of cases among older adults is increasing as the U.S. population ages.
The Epilepsy Foundation, in partnership with CDC, is continuing its national programs to improve the health care
and community support available to persons affected by epilepsy through public education and community awareness
programs. The theme for this year's foundation campaign, which begins in November and will extend throughout the year, is
"Not another moment lost to seizures." The campaign includes initiatives targeting outreach and education to young
persons, seniors, blacks, and Hispanics. The foundation also is developing a first responders curriculum to train
emergency response personnel. In addition, the foundation has established partnerships with other national and local organizations
to provide public education and community awareness programs. These organizations include the National Association of
School Nurses, American Association of Retired Persons, Community Health Workers/Promotores National Network,
National Council of La Raza, National Center for Farmworker Health, and East Coast Community Health Centers Association.
Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services.References to non-CDC sites on the Internet are
provided as a service to MMWR readers and do not constitute or imply
endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. CDC is not responsible for the content
of pages found at these sites. URL addresses listed in MMWR were current as of
the date of publication.
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