International Epilepsy Day Celebration in Turkey

International Epilepsy Day falls on the second Monday of February. This year, it was on February 11, 2019. I happened to come across an article just now about a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey that was lit in purple to raise awareness about epilepsy. This kind of symbolic action is meaningful and is a first step in removing the stigma of epilepsy, especially in those countries with less access to healthcare and education.

https://www.dailysabah.com/istanbul/2019/02/12/istanbuls-bridges-light-up-in-purple-to-mark-international-epilepsy-day

Changing the Name to Combat Epilepsy Stigma

We have come a long way in understanding and treating epilepsy. However, there is still a terrible stigma surrounding it, in some countries more than others. The word epilepsy comes from the Greek word meaning to seize. It was considered a “sacred disease,” one with a lot of mystery and was related to religion and spirituality and witchcraft. Although we now know all this to be false, the stigma of epilepsy unfortunately endures.

Epilepsy and Public Transportation Access

Epilepsy is often misunderstood in the public, and there is a stigma that is different from other disabilities since it is invisible. That is, until a seizure occurs.  People do not believe that people with epilepsy deserve the privileges that people who are physically disabled do.