Epilepsy is the second most common neurological disorder after strokes

                  More than 350,000 Canadians, or 1-2% of the Canadian population have Epilepsy 

                   No known cure for Epilepsy 

                   Epilepsy is not a disease 

                   Epilepsy is a hidden, episodic condition 

                  Approximately 4500 Southern Albertans have epilepsy 

                   Approximately 60,000 Albertans have epilepsy 

                   There are over 20 types of seizures 
 

                   The recognized incident of epilepsy is greater today, because of the higher survival rate among infants and persons with brain injuries and illnesses, and the increased willingness of people to seek treatment.
 

                   Epilepsy can be acquired at any stage of life.  75% of new cases are children under the age of 18 and over half of these children are affected before the age of 5.
 

                  Epilepsy is a condition in which normally smooth functioning of the brain’s electrical system is briefly disturbed, causing a seizure.  A seizure is like a brief electrical storm in the brain. 
 

                  The many causes of Epilepsy include birth trauma, severe head injury, brain tumour and substance abuse.  However, in most cases a specific cause cannot be identified. 
 

                   There are many different types of seizures, ranging from the convulsive type to brief periods where the person loses consciousness and appears to daydream. 
 

                   More people have epilepsy than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy combined. 
 

                   For the person with epilepsy, a healthy diet, exercise, and taking medications at the proper times are all, important aspects of controlling seizure activity. Although some seizures may be sparked by stress or emotional upset, those who spend all day lying around tend to experience more seizures than if they were reasonably active and more mentally alert. 
 

                   Over 80% of all persons with epilepsy can achieve enough seizure control to lead normal, productive lives. 
 

                   An informed and positive community enhances the lives of people with Epilepsy. 
 

                  The incidence of epilepsy peaks in childhood, plateaus in the adult years and rises rapidly in seniors over 65.
 

                    In childhood the chances of remission increase greatly the quicker a child is diagnosed and treatment is started.  In 50 % of the childhood cases they can achieve remission by the time the patient reaches 18.