While epilepsy is not rare, affecting 1 in 100 people worldwide, it is a disease that is still largely misunderstood among the general public, healthcare professionals, and individuals with the condition themselves.

Here is What we Know:

• 1 in 4 people with epilepsy have active depression (Fiest et al, 2014)
• 50% prevalence of impaired cognition (memory and thinking) (Statistic Canada 2011/12 SLNCC)
• 47% of children with epilepsy have a learning disability that can impact school performance (Prasad et al, 2014)
• Lost wage-based productivity associated with epilepsy is nearly equal to combined wage losses associated with diabetes, depression, anxiety and asthma together (Libby et al, 2012)
• Patients with epilepsy are more likely to suffer from social isolation and other mental illnesses, and they are less likely to be able to work (Health Quality Ontario, 2012)

 Education about epilepsy is critical to individuals well-being in all facets of life. 

Epilepsy Durham Region offers a wide range of education and outreach programs, ensuring that this disease is better understood and managed.

Epilepsy Education Events for Individuals Touched by Epilepsy

Events designed to create a forum for people living with epilepsy to learn more about their disease from experts in their fields, helping to understand treatment options, how to live well with epilepsy, and coping skills needed to manage the psychosocial implications epilepsy.

Thinking About Epilepsy | School Presentations

Comprehensive presentations about epilepsy, causes and treatments, triggers, seizure recognition, first response protocol, and challenges associated with this disease. Presentations are customized and tailored to meet the needs of the audience, be it a classroom of students (kindergarten – grade 12) or school staff members.

Epilepsy At Work

Helping employers to understand epilepsy, respond to a seizure, and how to utilize accommodations for a safe work environment; Helping employees to understand their rights in the workplace.

Here’s what people are saying about our education programs:

"I attended a Thinking About Epilepsy Presentation provided by Epilepsy Durham Region. Shortly thereafter, a student had a seizure in class. I knew exactly how to respond. I am so glad I attended."  – Teacher

"I learned so much from your Thinking About Epilepsy Presentation. Last night I went to bed with hope for the first time in months."  – Mother of child recently diagnosed with epilepsy

Your donation of $75.00 today or a monthly donation of $7.00 will provide the education needed to create safe and inclusive environments for persons with epilepsy.