This week, 22nd to 28th May 2023, is National Epilepsy Week. It is a great chance to raise awareness about this illness and celebrate the massive scientific advances we have made in recent years.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes recurring seizures or fits. More than 600,0001 people up and down the country currently live with this condition. Sadly, there isn’t widespread public understanding of how to recognise and support those with epilepsy.
Furthermore, current drug therapies don’t work for everyone – a third of people with epilepsy are living with uncontrolled seizures, and, shockingly, there are 21 epilepsy-related deaths a week.2 However, we have made huge strides in recent years. The Government has recently approved the formation of an Epilepsy Research Institute.3 This will drive strategic investment and capacity to build the research ecosystem needed to radically advance the treatment and prevention of epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a condition affecting more people than you might think. So, in the meantime, knowing the early warning signs and what to do when a seizure occurs can make a big difference helping those affected by the chronic condition.
Commenting, Richard Holden MP said:
“This week has been a great chance to raise awareness about epilepsy, for all those who suffer with this condition. While it is serious, people have been able to increasingly lead normal lives with great progress in epilepsy awareness and scientific research.
“As with many of my previous campaigns with other serious conditions, I have been doing all I can to raise awareness myself, and I warmly welcome the Government’s approval of an Epilepsy Research Institute. However, there is still more to do to help those with this condition, which is far more common than most of us realise.
“In addition to knowing how we can help with those having seizures, I look forward to seeing the world-class research coming from the UK making a real difference to those with epilepsy.”