According to Epilepsy Canada, roughly one in 100 Canadians has experienced a seizure or lives with epilepsy.
Residents in Tillsonburg may notice the town’s clock tower glowing purple this month as part of efforts to mark Epilepsy Awareness Month and highlight the impact of the neurological condition across Canada.
According to Epilepsy Canada, roughly one in 100 Canadians has experienced a seizure or lives with epilepsy, affecting an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people nationwide.
That was CEO Johanna McDougall, who explained that seizures can range from very small episodes to more intense events such as grand mal, or tonic-clonic, seizures — which involve a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions affecting the entire brain.
For McDougall, the issue is also deeply personal. Her daughter experienced seizures as a young child, something she says brought constant worry as a parent.
McDougall said it was always in the back of her mind, wondering when the next seizure might happen.
Stigma surrounding epilepsy is another challenge. McDougall says many individuals are hesitant to talk openly about their diagnosis because of misunderstandings about seizures.
Raising awareness is important, she added, because better understanding can help reduce stigma, encourage people to share their experiences, and ensure those living with epilepsy feel supported in their communities.
Community awareness efforts are vital— such as Tillsonburg lighting the Clock Tower purple this month.
Epilepsy Canada is also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, continuing its work funding Canadian research aimed at improving treatments and support for people living with the condition.
You can learn more at https://www.epilepsy.ca/epilepsy-awareness-month-canada
