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Epilepsy Is Widespread and Often Devastating
November Is Epilepsy Awareness Month
| Source: The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida
WEST PALM BEACH, FL--(Marketwire - November 4, 2009) - Each year, some 50,000 Americans die
from seizures and related causes, triggering more deaths annually than
breast cancer. The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) is working to
educate the public about this condition during November, Epilepsy Awareness
Month.
With 360,000 Floridians and three million Americans suffering from
epilepsy, it is the third most common neurological disorder in the US after
Alzheimer's and stroke. About as many people have epilepsy as have
cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease -- combined.
Karen Basha Egozi, chief executive officer of the EFOF, notes, "While
living with epilepsy and seizure disorders is difficult in so many ways, it
is often the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding epilepsy that most
hinder our communities' efforts to recognize and come to grips with this
widespread and devastating disorder."
During November, EFOF is holding a series of events aimed at educating
Floridians about this neurological condition, while also raising funds to
benefit those living with epilepsy.
"Epilepsy is not a disease, it is a symptom of an underlying neurological
disorder and often can be controlled given proper medical care and
medication," said Egozi. "Unfortunately, people die each year from
epilepsy and, in many cases, these deaths could have been prevented."
"Too often, epilepsy remains a private burden. People are uncomfortable
with epilepsy or do not understand it and therefore epilepsy doesn't
generate as much public discussion and support as other equally dangerous
but less prevalent conditions," says Patricia Dean, ARNP, President of the
EFOF Board of Directors.
According to the EFOF, there is qualitative evidence that suggests
Floridians suffer from epilepsy in greater numbers than other Americans.
This is attributable to several factors. Epilepsy is most prevalent among
youth and seniors, both of which are large segments of Florida's
population. Epilepsy can develop as a result of head trauma, more frequent
in Florida given the state's outdoor and active year-round lifestyle.
Further, Florida is home to 11 military bases and there is an alarming rise
in epilepsy due to head traumas incurred by soldiers in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), EFOF serves as the lead
advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizure
disorders at the local, county and state level. EFOF provides valuable
services, regardless of financial situation, to individuals and their
families including advocacy, case management, information, referral,
support, medical services, neuropsychological services, prevention and
education, individual and family counseling, research, resource materials,
support groups, and children's camp.
For more information, visit www.EpilepsyFLA.org or call 800-940-6515.
Note to Media: Families with very compelling stories about their struggles
with epilepsy are available for interviews.