Anyone can develop epilepsy at any time in their life #EpilepsyFacts
Epilepsy is more than seizures—it’s a journey filled with strength, resilience, and misconceptions that need to be challenged. This year, our #EpilepsyFacts campaign highlights real facts about epilepsy alongside the real people who prove them every day. Donate today to fuel the work Epilepsy Toronto does to support people living with epilepsy.
Discover the impact of your contribution and learn more about the services we provide.
Join us in spreading the facts and amplifying the voices of those who live them. Share, learn, and help break the stigma. #PurpleDay is March 26—let’s make an impact together!
Epilepsy Facts:
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About 1 in 100 Canadians have epilepsy.
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Epilepsy does not discriminate - it affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Anyone can develop epilepsy at any time in their life.
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Epilepsy is a neurological condition, characterized by recurrent seizures. There are many different types of seizures. Some seizures cause people to fall and convulse, other seizures may look like daydreaming, or sleepwalking. Seizures look very different for different people.
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Some people’s seizures are triggered by noises, smells, stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights or a combination of things. Others have no idea what triggers their seizures; only that they are unpredictable and can happen at any time.
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Epilepsy is NOT contagious – you can’t catch it, and you can’t give it to someone else.
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If you see someone having a seizure you should not restrain the person and NEVER put anything in their mouth. Instead, stay calm, and protect the person from injury. If they are on the ground, put something soft under their head and remove sharp objects. Time the seizure. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or is a first-time seizure, call 911.
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For about 70% of people living with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with medications. Some people with drug-resistant epilepsy respond to alternative treatments such as surgery, diets, or nerve stimulation. There is no cure for epilepsy.
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People with epilepsy have the same range of intelligence as people without epilepsy. Epilepsy does not diminish mental ability.
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Living with epilepsy can result in personal challenges, and people with epilepsy experience depression and anxiety more frequently than individuals without epilepsy, but it does not have to result in an inability to live a full and rewarding life.
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One of the best ways to help people who are living with epilepsy is to learn more about it. You can also show your support by celebrating Purple Day on March 26th and by wearing something purple that day.