National Epilepsy Day is celebrated every year in India on November 17 to raise awareness around the brain disorder and bust myths surrounding the disease. 

History and significance of National Epilepsy Day

The day was first observed by the Epilepsy Foundation of India and was established by Dr Nirmal Surya.

The aim of this day was to help needy people who are not able to afford treatment for the disease and also to bust myths surrounding epilepsy, create awareness around symptoms and management of the disease.

According to WHO, around 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy and India accounts for nearly 10-20 percent (5-10 million) of the global burden of epilepsy.

About 70 percent of people with epilepsy are able to successfully manage epilepsy seizures with medication and certain types of surgery.