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Epilepsy affects over 3 million Americans of all ages – more than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease combined. Almost 500 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed every day in the United States. Epilepsy affects 50,000,000 people worldwide. Here are some important facts...
- In two-thirds of patients diagnosed with epilepsy, the cause is unknown.
- Epilepsy can develop at any age and can be a result of genetics, stroke, head injury, and many other factors.
- In over thirty percent of patients, seizures cannot be controlled with treatment. Uncontrolled seizures may lead to brain damage and death. Many more have only partial control of their seizures.
- The severe epilepsy syndromes of childhood can cause developmental delay and brain damage, leading to a lifetime of dependency and continually accruing costs—both medical and societal.
- It is estimated that up to 50,000 deaths occur annually in the U.S. from status epilepticus (prolonged seizures), Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and other seizure-related causes such as drowning and other accidents.
- The mortality rate among people with epilepsy is two to three times higher than the general population and the risk of sudden death is twenty-four times greater.
- Recurring seizures are also a burden for those living with brain tumors and other disorders such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, tuberous sclerosis, and a variety of genetic syndromes.
- There is a strong association between epilepsy and depression: more than one of every three persons with epilepsy will also be affected by depression, and people with a history of depression have a higher risk of developing epilepsy.
- Historically, epilepsy research has been under-funded. Federal dollars spent on research pale in comparison to those spent on other diseases, many of which affect fewer people than epilepsy.
- For many soldiers suffering traumatic brain injury on the battlefield, epilepsy will be a long-term consequence.
Epilepsy 101
This is a must attend small group presentation for the newly diagnosed and those who are still struggling with seizure control. In one hour you will learn the important facts about epilepsy which will guide you forward in your search for seizure freedom.
General Programs
You will find a list of our programs and services, including a brief description, times and location. If you have any questions please call us at (714) 916-0456.
Seizure Recognition & First Aid
This is our most popular community presentation directed toward raising awareness among business, health and childcare organizations, youth sports and educational institutions.
Building a Healthy Brain
This valuable community presentation is directed toward parent groups to benefit their young children, as 1 in 50 children will be affected by epilepsy.
Knowledge can make a Difference
Our most urgent mandate is to get our support services to the people in need and raise awareness throughout Orange County. 