Remember: Epilepsy awareness

NOVEMBER is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and this year the Jamaican Epilepsy Association (JEA) is on a renewed mission to educate the public about the highly misunderstood condition which affects a reported eight to 10 per cent of Jamaicans.

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in the world, with a significant number of Jamaicans suffering from the medical condition. Despite this fact, it remains shrouded in mystery, discriminated against, and underfunded in research. This year, the JEA will talk about how to go the distance towards a life with the best seizure control possible, as well as how to overcome and manage epilepsy.

Executive Director of the JEA Joy McHugh explained that National Epilepsy Month provides a great opportunity for the organisation to engage the public. “Epilepsy is more than seizures. It is treatable, manageable and controllable,” she stated.

During the month, the JEA will host a social media campaign on

Facebook. Additionally, select schools will wear purple on particular days of the month in a bid to raise funds, thus furthering JEA’s outreach.