November is Epilepsy Awareness Month!

New CDC Epilepsy Resources for Epilepsy Awareness Month!

November 23, 2015

In recognition of National Epilepsy Awareness Month, CDC has prepared new resources for people with epilepsy and their families, health care providers, researchers, and others—in both English and Spanish.

CDC Epilepsy Program Spanish Language Web Site

CDC has completely updated the Spanish version of its Epilepsy website. Learn about types of seizures, epilepsy first aid, prevention, CDC’s work, and other resources—all in Spanish!

Nearly 1 in 100 Children and Adolescents Affected by Seizures

A new report released by CDC estimates that nearly 1 in 100 children and adolescents (0.7%) in the United States have had seizures in the past year, according to their parents. This is the first time a U.S. national study has analyzed the number of seizures in children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17 years old. The study also looked at their co-occurring conditions, household income, and access to health care. Read the article, “Seizures in Children and Adolescents Aged 6–17 Years — United States, 2010–2014” in the November 6, 2015, issue of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

This MMWR issue also includes a Notice to Readers that discusses the importance of seizure first aid.

Spread the Word!

Suggested Facebook language:

According to reports from US parents, nearly 1 in 100 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years are estimated to have had seizures in the past year. This finding is from the first national study to analyze the number of seizures in US children and their access to care. Check out the new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://go.usa.gov/c2WQA

Suggested Twitter language:

Nearly 1 in 100 US children aged 6-17 had at least one seizure in the past year. Parents & schools should learn morehttp://go.usa.gov/c2WQA
Families of children with seizures face challenges. What can be done? http://go.usa.gov/c2WQA

Matte article:

CDC developed a matte article (a formatted, ready-to-print article that is free to use in any publication), First Look: U.S. Youth and Seizures. Visit the CDC Newsroom for more information on how to use the matte article and to obtain a watermark-free copy.

Did You Know? There Are More than 30 Types of Seizures!

Because anyone can have a seizure, everyone should be able to recognize seizure symptoms and how to help. CDC’s new feature describes the different types of seizures and gives links to information on first aid and professional training.