Timeline of National Epilepsy Awareness Month 2021

National Epilepsy Awareness Month timeline

​1990

Workplace discrimination policies

These are a series of official employment statutes designed to remove prejudice against working people with epilepsy.

​1980

​People with epilepsy finally allowed to marry in the U.S.

​The stigma is a troubling one — especially when you consider that for years Americans with epilepsy were denied the right to marry.

​1912

​Phenobarbital became the first modern epilepsy treatment

​Phenobarbital, one of the most commonly used medicines to contain or reduce seizures, became the first modern treatment for epilepsy.

​1850

The Queen of England's doctor treated epilepsy

​​Queen Victoria's obstetrician introduced potassium bromide as a way to successfully treat epilepsy.

Tip: NCAA Shop promo codes: Get Free next day shipping on orders over $100. NCAA Shop Promo Code: GIFTSHIPNEXT (-1 People Used Today)

NCAA Shop discount codes: NCAA Shop Free Next Day Shipping on Orders Over $100

What is National Epilepsy Awareness Month

National Epilepsy Awareness Month in November is an annual event that teaches people about epilepsy’s causes and symptoms. One in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point during their lifetime. Epilepsy is one of the least understood of all the neurological diseases, yet it is the fourth most common. During this month, many organizations join together to provide information about prevention, treatment, research, and resources to fight epilepsy.

History

Epilepsy, unfortunately, has a long history of misunderstanding and stigmatism. Evidence of individuals suffering epilepsy in ancient history attributed it to spiritual or demonic possession. In fact, Hippocrates, the great Roman medical practitioner, shunned the notion that it was a supernatural phenomena and believed that it derived from the brain, had hereditary aspects, and that how it presented itself in childhood also determined how it affected the rest of the individual’s life. 

 

Unfortunately, Hippocrates wasn’t believed until well into the 17th century, when the notion that it wasn’t demonic or spiritual possession finally subsided. But, the stigma associated with it continues to this day. One of the goals of National Epilepsy Awareness Month is to separate the disease from its historical and false reputations. Many countries still believe that it’s a sign of spiritual possession and, until 1980, individuals suffering from epilepsy weren’t allowed to marry in the United States. 

Note: Vistaprint coupon codes: Up to 30% off Select Products at Vistaprint! Enter code FAMILY30 at checkout.. Vistaprint Promo Code: FAMILY30 (86 People Used Today)

Vistaprint promo codes: Vistaprint Up to 30% Off Select Products at Vistaprint!