National Epilepsy Awareness Month 2020
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month!

Get Seizure First Aid Certified

#NEAM2020 - Small Actions for Big Change

The Problem

  • We need more people talking about epilepsy. With more voices lifted together, we can create greater change. 
  • More people need to know Seizure First Aid. Knowing the three words “Stay. Safe. Side.” and what they mean can help save lives.
  • One-third of people with epilepsy live with uncontrolled seizures. We need to raise funds for research to improve treatments and to support programs that can help improve quality of life. 
National Epilepsy Awareness Month is a way for our community to raise their voice and share their journey, wherever they are in the fight against epilepsy. — Laura Thrall, president & CEO, Epilepsy Foundation

#NEAM2020 Activities

Share Your eJourney: Epilepsy Foundation Community Blog

  • Share your epilepsy story with the world – wherever you find yourselves in the fight.
  • This includes family, friends, caregivers and anyone with an epilepsy journey.
  • Videos, words, and photos all make this story real and can create understanding, support and outcomes that can shift the tide in the battle our community faces every day.
  • Read community stories and submit yours today for our eJourney Community Blog.

Earn Your Digital Badge for Being Seizure Ready

Stay Safe Side: Public Service Announcement 

Join Camila: Raise Funds to Save Lives 

Photo of Camila Coelho smiling in tan dress
 
  • Win a Virtual Hangout with Fashion Designer & Beauty Entrepreneur Camila Coelho: Donate for a chance to get a virtual hangout with Brazilian-American fashion designer & beauty entrepreneur and person with epilepsy, Camila Coelho, and $260 in beauty products. JoinCamila.com.
  • Stream for Epilepsy: Whether you’re a classic video-gamer, a masterful content creator, someone who shares passions and hobbies like online karaoke, fitness, makeup tutorials, crafting or art, the Epilepsy Foundation needs your help! By streaming and fundraising, you play an important role as we work to improve the lives of the 3.4 million people in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide who suffer from epilepsy. Get started today. 

Seizure First Aid

Educate Others about Seizure First Aid

Show others how to take care of someone having a seizure. Seizure First Aid is simple - Three Ss: Stay, Safe, Side.

  1. STAY with the person and start timing the seizure. Remain calm and check for medical ID.
  2. Keep the person SAFE. Move or guide away from harmful objects.
  3. Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware. Don’t block airway, put something small and soft under the head, loosen tight clothes around neck.
  4. Do NOT put anything in their mouth. Don’t give water, pills or food until the person is awake.
  5. Do NOT restrain.
  6. STAY with them until they are awake and alert after the seizure. Most seizures end in a few minutes.

When to Call 911

  • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • Repeated seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizure occurs in water
  • Person is injured, pregnant, or sick
  • Person does not return to their usual state
  • First time seizure

Get Seizure First Aid Certified

Share the Video

 

Encourage Others to Take Action

Follow us on social media.

Challenge your friends to teach their friends about seizure first aid. Use the hashtags in your social media posts:

  • #NEAM2020
  • #SeizureFirstAid
  • #ShareMySeizure
  • Stream4Epilepsy
  • #S4E
  • #EpilepsyEquity

Previous National Epilepsy Awareness Months

The Epilepsy Foundation has celebrated National Epilepsy Awareness Month since 1969. In 2003, Congress passed a formal resolution declaring November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.

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Authored By: 
Epilepsy Foundation Communications
Authored Date: 
10/2020