February
International Epilepsy Day: The 2nd Monday of February
International Epilepsy Day is an annual awareness-raising initiative organized by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
Learn more: https://internationalepilepsyday.org/
SCN8A International Awareness Day: February 9
SCN8A Epilepsy is a rare disorder that is known to affect around 550 individuals worldwide. It can cause severe epilepsy, developmental delay, and other medical challenges.
Learn more: https://www.scn8aawarenessday.net
International Angelman Day: February 15
International Angelman Day (I.A.D.) is observed on February 15 to create awareness about Angelman Syndrome, a neurogenetic disorder affecting chromosome 15 that causes intellectual and developmental delays.
Epilepsy is a common feature of Angelman syndrome (80-90%)
Learn more: https://www.angelman.org/resources-education/seizures/
International SCN2A Awareness Day: February 24
The FamilieSCN2A is a nonprofit organization created by parents of children diagnosed with epilepsy and autism due to a change in the SCN2A gene.
This gene has been associated with epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and several neurological issues when there is a deletion or mutation of this gene.
The goal of the day is to bring public awareness, improve the lives of those affected by improving early detection, family support, effective treatments, clinical research, and ultimately, find a cure for SCN2A disorders!
Learn more: https://www.scn2a.org/involved.html
Rare Disease Day: February 28 or February 29 in Leap Years
Rare disease day is a day to raise awareness of the roughly 7000 rare diseases (including rare epilepsies) that affect over 300 million people around the world.
Learn more: https://www.rarediseaseday.org/
March
Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 1 – March 31
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a well-recognized cause of seizures and epilepsy. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild, to moderate, to severe, and as a result, the spectrum of impact on any individual can vary.
Learn more: https://www.biausa.org/
Brain Tumor Awareness Month: March 1 – March 31
Brain Tumor Awareness Month was launched in 2004 by a group of charities that went on to become founding members of Brain Tumor Research. Of patients with brain tumors, the frequency of epilepsy is 30% or more depending on tumor type.
Learn more: https://braintumor.org/
KCNQ2 Awareness week: March 1-7
KCNQ2 Awareness week is an annual virtual event aimed at raising awareness, education, and advocacy for the international community affected by KCNQ2 Epilepsy.
Learn more: https://www.kcnq2cure.org/awareness-week-2/
Brain Awareness Week: March 11-17
Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science – Essential for individuals living with epilepsy.
Learn more: https://dana.org/brain-awareness-week/
World Down Syndrome Day: March 21
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Individuals with Down syndrome have an increased risk for epilepsy.
Learn more: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/
Purple Day: March 26th
Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide.
Learn more: https://www.purpleday.org/
May
Mental Health Awareness Month: May 13 – May 19
The week aims to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritize their and others’ mental health. Mental health issues are common in people with epilepsy. The theme this year is “Moving more for mental health”.
Learn more: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week