The ILAE/IBE/WHO Global Campaign against Epilepsy: Bringing Epilepsy "Out of the Shadows"

Abstract

Epilepsy affects at least 100 million people worldwide at some time in their lives, especially in childhood and adolescence. It is a universal problem involving all ages, races, social classes, and nations. Nevertheless, it has been misunderstood, feared, and stigmatized for more than 3000 years. The psychosocial and economic consequences of epilepsy are considerable in developed nations but are even greater in developing nations, where the treatment gap may vary from 60 to 98%. To address the long-standing worldwide neglect of this disease, a campaign titled Epilepsy: Out of the Shadows has been launched by an alliance of three global organizations: the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE), the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Global, regional, and national initiatives are currently underway.