Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026: Symptoms, Seizure Types, First Aid, Diagnosis and Treatment

Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026 is observed throughout November to improve understanding of epilepsy, reduce stigma, teach seizure first aid, and encourage people with repeated seizures to seek proper neurological evaluation and treatment.

The Epilepsy Foundation’s 2026 National Epilepsy Awareness Month theme is:

“Where Community Sparks Hope.”

The campaign emphasises that people living with epilepsy should not have to face seizures, fear, misunderstanding or discrimination alone. Families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, schools, workplaces and communities can all contribute by learning how to recognise seizures, provide appropriate first aid and support people living with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world. According to the World Health Organisation, around 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, and up to 70% may potentially become seizure-free with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

At Metro Hospital, Faridabad, patients with recurrent seizures, staring spells, temporary loss of awareness or suspected epilepsy can seek evaluation through the Neurology Department. The department runs a dedicated Epilepsy Clinic and has an advanced Neuro Lab with EEG and related neurological diagnostic facilities.

This detailed guide explains Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026, signs and symptoms of epilepsy, different seizure types, causes, diagnosis, EEG, treatment, seizure first aid, common myths and when emergency care is required.

When Is Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026?

Epilepsy Awareness Month is observed throughout November 2026.

In the United States, the Epilepsy Foundation has recognised November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) for decades. The awareness month aims to:

• Educate the public about epilepsy
• Reduce stigma around seizures
• Improve seizure first-aid knowledge
• Encourage appropriate diagnosis and treatment
• Support patients and caregivers
• Promote social inclusion

The Epilepsy Foundation notes that November has been recognised as National Epilepsy Awareness Month since 1969.

What Is the Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026 Theme?

The official 2026 theme promoted by the Epilepsy Foundation is:

“Where Community Sparks Hope”

The theme highlights the importance of:

• Family support
• Healthcare support
• Peer connections
• Community education
• Reducing stigma
• Learning seizure first aid

The campaign encourages people to use #NEAM2026 and #WhereCommunitySparksHope to spread awareness and support.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by a tendency to have recurrent unprovoked seizures.

A seizure occurs when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

WHO explains that seizures can range from:

• Brief lapses of attention
• Sudden muscle jerks
• Temporary changes in sensation
• Loss of awareness
• Full-body convulsions

depending on which part of the brain is involved.

Does One Seizure Mean Epilepsy?

No.

A person can have a single seizure because of:

• High fever
• Low blood sugar
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Head injury
• Certain medicines
• Severe infection
• Electrolyte imbalance

WHO notes that one seizure alone does not necessarily mean epilepsy. Epilepsy is generally characterised by recurrent unprovoked seizures.

This is why a first seizure requires medical evaluation rather than immediate self-diagnosis.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy

Seizures do not always look like dramatic shaking.

Possible epilepsy symptoms include:

• Sudden staring spells
• Temporary confusion
• Loss of awareness
• Loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled jerking movements
• Sudden muscle stiffness
• Brief repetitive movements
• Strange sensations
• Sudden fear or anxiety
• Unusual smell or taste sensations

Metro Hospital’s epilepsy information also lists temporary confusion, staring spells, uncontrolled jerking, loss of awareness and unusual emotional changes among symptoms that may occur with epilepsy.

Different Types of Seizures

Seizures are generally classified according to where they begin in the brain.

Two broad groups are:

1. Focal-onset seizures
2. Generalised-onset seizures

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures begin in one area of the brain.

Symptoms depend on the affected brain region.

They may cause:

• Abnormal movements
• Tingling
• Strange smells
• Visual changes
• Fear
• Memory changes
• Temporary confusion

Focal Aware Seizures

The person remains conscious and aware during the seizure.

Possible symptoms include:

• Jerking of one arm
• Tingling
• Unusual smell
• Sudden emotional changes

Focal Impaired-Awareness Seizures

The person’s awareness becomes impaired.

They may:

• Stare blankly
• Smack their lips
• Pick at their clothes
• Wander
• Repeat movements
• Fail to respond normally

These seizures may be mistaken for daydreaming or unusual behaviour.

Generalized Seizures

Generalised seizures involve both sides of the brain.

They may affect:

• Awareness
• Movement
• Muscle tone

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

These are the seizures most people traditionally associate with epilepsy.

They may cause:

• Loss of consciousness
• Falling
• Body stiffening
• Rhythmic jerking
• Confusion afterward

CDC notes that tonic-clonic seizures commonly involve muscle stiffness and rhythmic jerking and may be followed by confusion and tiredness.

Absence Seizures

Absence seizures cause brief periods of impaired awareness.

A person may:

• Stare into space
• Stop responding
• Blink repeatedly
• Make small automatic movements

They may last only a few seconds.

CDC notes that absence seizures can be subtle and may easily go unnoticed.

Myoclonic Seizures

These cause sudden, brief muscle jerks.

They may affect:

• Arms
• Shoulders
• Upper body

The person may remain conscious.

Atonic Seizures

Atonic seizures cause sudden loss of muscle tone.

This can cause:

• Head dropping
• Sudden collapse
• Falls

These seizures can lead to injuries.

What Causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is not contagious.

WHO notes that the cause remains unknown in about half of cases globally.

Known causes may include:

• Genetic conditions
• Brain injury
• Stroke
• Brain infection
• Brain tumour
• Birth-related brain injury
• Structural brain abnormalities
• Certain immune or metabolic disorders

Epilepsy After Head Injury

A severe head injury can damage brain tissue and increase the risk of seizures later.

This may occur after:

• Road accidents
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Serious trauma

Anyone who develops seizures after a head injury needs neurological evaluation.

Stroke and Epilepsy

Stroke can damage areas of the brain and may later lead to seizures.

This is particularly relevant in older adults who develop new-onset epilepsy.

Brain Infection and Epilepsy

Infections such as:

• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Neurocysticercosis

can damage brain tissue and lead to epilepsy.

WHO specifically lists brain infections, including neurocysticercosis, among recognised causes of epilepsy.

Brain Tumours and Seizures

Seizures may occasionally be the first symptom of a brain tumour.

However, most seizures are not caused by brain tumours.

Doctors use imaging when they suspect a structural brain problem.

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history.

Doctors may ask:

• What happened before the seizure?
• Was consciousness lost?
• Were there jerking movements?
• How long did it last?
• What happened afterwards?
• Was there a trigger?

A description from someone who witnessed the seizure can be extremely helpful.

EEG Test for Epilepsy

An electroencephalogram (EEG) records electrical activity in the brain.

Small electrodes are placed on the scalp.

EEG may detect abnormal electrical patterns associated with epilepsy.

However:

• A normal EEG does not always exclude epilepsy
• An abnormal EEG does not always mean epilepsy

The result must be interpreted with symptoms and clinical history.

Metro Hospital’s Neurology Department has an advanced Neuro Lab with EEG, EMG and NCV facilities and runs a dedicated Epilepsy Clinic.

Video EEG

Video EEG combines:

• EEG recording
• Video monitoring

This can help doctors match physical events with brain electrical activity.

It may be particularly useful when:

• The diagnosis is uncertain
• Seizures continue despite treatment
• Surgery is being considered

MRI Brain

MRI provides detailed images of the brain.

It may help detect structural causes such as:

• Brain scars
• Previous stroke
• Tumour
• Congenital abnormalities
• Prior brain injury

CT Scan

CT may be particularly useful in emergency situations, including:

• First seizure
• Head injury
• Suspected bleeding
• Acute neurological symptoms

Blood Tests

Doctors may also check:

• Blood sugar
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Kidney function
• Liver function

because metabolic abnormalities can sometimes trigger seizures.

How Is Epilepsy Treated?

The goal of treatment is to control seizures while allowing the person to live as normally and independently as possible.

Treatment may include:

• Antiseizure medicines
• Lifestyle management
• Surgery in selected cases
• Device-based therapy in selected cases

Antiseizure Medicines

Medicines are the main treatment for most people.

The medicine selected depends on:

• Seizure type
• Age
• Other medical conditions
• Pregnancy considerations
• Possible drug interactions

WHO estimates that up to 70% of people with epilepsy may become seizure-free with appropriate treatment.

Why You Should Not Stop Epilepsy Medicine Suddenly

Stopping antiseizure medicine without medical advice can cause seizures to return or become more severe.

Even if a person has been seizure-free for a long time, a neurologist should supervise medication changes.

WHO notes that discontinuation may sometimes be considered after a sustained seizure-free period, but the decision depends on clinical factors such as cause and EEG findings.

Epilepsy Treatment and Pregnancy

Pregnancy planning is especially important for women with epilepsy.

Some antiseizure medicines carry higher risks during pregnancy than others.

WHO recommends caution with certain medicines such as sodium valproate in women and girls of childbearing potential because of risks to the unborn child.

Women with epilepsy should discuss:

• Pregnancy planning
• Medication choice
• Folic acid
• Seizure control

with their neurologist and obstetrician.

What Is Drug-Resistant Epilepsy?

Some patients continue to have seizures despite appropriate medicines.

This may be called drug-resistant or refractory epilepsy.

These patients may require:

• Detailed seizure evaluation
• Video EEG
• High-resolution MRI
• Epilepsy surgery assessment

Metro Hospital’s epilepsy services include medication management, monitoring and evaluation for surgery in refractory epilepsy where appropriate.

Epilepsy Surgery

Surgery may be considered if seizures repeatedly begin from a specific brain area that can be treated safely.

It is not suitable for everyone.

Evaluation is usually performed by a multidisciplinary neurological and neurosurgical team.

Seizure First Aid: What Should You Do?

Knowing seizure first aid is one of the most important goals of Epilepsy Awareness Month.

The Epilepsy Foundation summarises seizure first aid as:

STAY – SAFE – SIDE

1. STAY With the Person

Remain nearby.

Stay calm and:

• Reassure them
• Note when the seizure starts
• Time how long it lasts

The duration matters because a prolonged seizure can become an emergency.

2. Keep the Person SAFE

Remove dangerous objects from the area.

If the person is falling:

• Gently guide them to the ground
• Place something soft under their head

Protect them from:

• Traffic
• Sharp furniture
• Fire
• Heights

3. Turn Them Onto Their SIDE

If the person is unconscious and lying down, gently place them on their side.

This helps keep the airway clear.

CDC also recommends turning the person onto their side with the mouth pointed downward when appropriate.

What Should You Never Do During a Seizure?

Never Put Anything in the Mouth

Do not insert:

• Spoon
• Finger
• Cloth
• Stick

A person cannot swallow their tongue.

Putting something in the mouth can cause:

• Broken teeth
• Jaw injury
• Choking

The Epilepsy Foundation specifically warns against placing objects in the mouth during a seizure.

Do Not Restrain the Person

Do not hold their arms or legs down.

Restraining someone does not stop a seizure and may cause injury.

Do Not Give Water or Food Immediately

Wait until the person is fully awake and alert.

Giving food, water, or tablets too early may cause choking.

When Is a Seizure an Emergency?

Emergency medical help is required when:

• A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
• Another seizure starts soon afterwards
• The person does not regain consciousness normally
• Breathing remains difficult
• The person is injured
• The seizure occurs in water
• It is their first seizure
• The person is pregnant

CDC and the Epilepsy Foundation both identify these as situations that require emergency assistance.

Metro Hospital, Faridabad currently operates a 24×7 Emergency & Trauma Centre and lists its emergency number as +91 971 191 4000.

What Is Status Epilepticus?

Status epilepticus is a neurological emergency.

It generally refers to a seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer, or repeated seizures without adequate recovery between them.

Prolonged seizures can cause serious complications and require urgent hospital treatment.

Common Epilepsy Triggers

Not every seizure has an identifiable trigger, but some people notice increased seizure risk with:

• Missed medicine
• Sleep deprivation
• Alcohol
• Fever
• Illness
• Stress
• Flashing lights in a small minority of patients

Keeping a seizure diary may help identify patterns.

Why Sleep Matters in Epilepsy

Poor sleep can lower the seizure threshold in some patients.

Good sleep habits include:

• Consistent sleep schedule
• Adequate sleep duration
• Avoiding frequent all-night work
• Treating sleep disorders

Metro Hospital’s Neurology Department also has a neuro sleep laboratory for evaluating sleep-related neurological conditions and sleep-related seizures.

Can People With Epilepsy Exercise?

Yes, many people with well-controlled epilepsy can exercise safely.

Regular activity can support:

• Cardiovascular health
• Mood
• Weight
• Sleep

However, some activities require additional precautions, particularly if seizures are uncontrolled.

Examples include:

• Swimming alone
• Climbing heights
• Operating heavy machinery

Safety planning should be individualised.

Epilepsy and Driving

Driving rules for people with epilepsy vary by location.

The key safety principle is that uncontrolled seizures can create significant road risk.

Patients should discuss:

• Seizure control
• Medication adherence
• Local licensing requirements

with their neurologist.

Epilepsy and Mental Health

Epilepsy can affect emotional wellbeing as well as physical health.

WHO notes that people with epilepsy have higher rates of psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Some people may experience:

• Fear of another seizure
• Social anxiety
• Depression
• Reduced confidence
• Workplace stigma

Mental-health support may be an important part of comprehensive epilepsy care.

Epilepsy and Stigma

One of the major objectives of Epilepsy Awareness Month is reducing stigma.

Common misconceptions can cause:

• Social isolation
• Employment discrimination
• School difficulties
• Delayed treatment

The 2026 theme, “Where Community Sparks Hope”, focuses on creating supportive communities where people with epilepsy feel understood and valued.

Common Myths About Epilepsy

Myth 1: Epilepsy Is Contagious

False.

Epilepsy cannot be spread from one person to another. WHO explicitly states that epilepsy is not contagious.

Myth 2: Every Seizure Means Epilepsy

False.

A single seizure can have many temporary causes.

Myth 3: All Seizures Cause Shaking

False.

Some seizures may involve only:

• Staring
• Confusion
• Brief loss of awareness

CDC highlights that seizures can look very different from one person to another.

Myth 4: Put a Spoon in the Mouth During a Seizure

False and dangerous.

Don’t put anything in the mouth during a seizure.

Myth 5: Epilepsy Cannot Be Controlled

False.

WHO estimates that up to 70% of people may become seizure-free with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Epilepsy Care at Metro Hospital, Faridabad

Patients with suspected or confirmed epilepsy can seek specialist neurological evaluation at the Neurology Department at Metro Hospital, Faridabad.

The department manages neurological disorders including:

• Epilepsy
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• Migraine
• Multiple sclerosis
• Dementia
• Sleep disorders

Metro Hospital also runs a dedicated Epilepsy Clinic.

Neurological Diagnostic Facilities

The Neurology Department currently lists facilities including:

• EEG
• EMG
• NCV
• Neuroimaging support
• Sleep laboratory

These tests can help evaluate seizures and identify possible neurological causes.

Epilepsy Treatment Services

Metro Hospital’s epilepsy service includes:

• Antiseizure medication management
• Lifestyle counselling
• Ongoing monitoring
• Evaluation for refractory epilepsy surgery

For selected structural neurological conditions requiring surgical assessment, Metro Hospital also has dedicated Neuro & Spine Surgery services.

When Should You Consult a Neurologist?

Seek neurological evaluation if you experience:

• Repeated seizures
• Unexplained staring spells
• Temporary loss of awareness
• Repeated episodes of confusion
• Uncontrolled jerking movements
• Seizures during sleep
• A seizure after head injury
• A first unexplained seizure

Early evaluation may help determine whether the episode is epilepsy or another medical condition.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Department?

Seek urgent emergency care if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• Seizures repeat without recovery
• It is a first seizure
• The person is injured
• Breathing remains difficult
• The person does not wake normally
• The seizure occurs during pregnancy
• The seizure happens in water

Metro Hospital provides 24×7 emergency neurological assessment supported by its Emergency & Trauma Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026

1. When is Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026?

Epilepsy Awareness Month is observed throughout November 2026, with the Epilepsy Foundation recognising November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.

2. What is the Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026 theme?

The Epilepsy Foundation’s 2026 theme is “Where Community Sparks Hope.”

3. What are the main symptoms of epilepsy?

Symptoms may include staring spells, loss of awareness, uncontrolled jerking, temporary confusion, sensory changes or loss of consciousness.

4. Does one seizure mean epilepsy?

No. One seizure may have many possible causes and does not automatically confirm epilepsy.

5. What test detects epilepsy?

EEG is an important diagnostic test that records brain electrical activity, but diagnosis also depends on clinical history and may require MRI or other investigations.

6. Can epilepsy be cured?

Some epilepsy syndromes may resolve, while many cases are managed long term. WHO estimates that up to 70% of people with epilepsy could become seizure-free with appropriate treatment.

7. What should I do if someone has a seizure?

Remember STAY – SAFE – SIDE: stay with the person, keep them safe from injury and turn them onto their side if they are not awake and aware.

8. Should I put something in a person’s mouth during a seizure?

No. Never put a spoon, finger or any other object into someone’s mouth during a seizure.

9. When is a seizure an emergency?

Seek emergency help if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, seizures repeat without recovery, breathing is difficult, the person is injured, pregnant, or experiencing a first seizure.

10. Where can I get epilepsy treatment in Faridabad?

Patients can consult the Neurology Department at Metro Hospital, Faridabad, which has a dedicated Epilepsy Clinic and neurological diagnostic facilities, including EEG.

Conclusion

Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026 is an opportunity to improve understanding of a neurological condition that affects millions worldwide.

The 2026 theme—

“Where Community Sparks Hope”

—reminds us that medical treatment is only one part of epilepsy care. Understanding, seizure first-aid knowledge, social inclusion and community support also make a major difference.

Important epilepsy symptoms may include:

• Staring spells
• Temporary confusion
• Loss of awareness
• Uncontrolled jerking
• Sudden muscle stiffness
• Strange sensations
• Loss of consciousness

Not all seizures look the same, and not every seizure means epilepsy.

Proper diagnosis may involve:

• Neurological examination
• EEG
• MRI
• Blood tests
• Video EEG in selected patients

Treatment usually begins with antiseizure medicines, and many patients can achieve good seizure control. People with drug-resistant epilepsy may require more specialised evaluation.

During a seizure, remember:

STAY – SAFE – SIDE.

Never put anything in the person’s mouth, do not restrain them, and seek emergency help if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or meets other emergency criteria.

At Metro Hospital, Faridabad, patients with seizures and epilepsy can access specialist neurological evaluation through the Neurology Department, which runs a dedicated Epilepsy Clinic and provides EEG and advanced neurological diagnostic support.

For seizure emergencies, Metro Hospital also provides 24×7 emergency and trauma services.

This Epilepsy Awareness Month 2026, learn to recognise seizures, know the correct first aid, challenge stigma and help build a community where people with epilepsy can live with greater confidence and support.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general health education only. A first seizure, a prolonged seizure, recurrent unexplained episodes of loss of awareness or any seizure lasting more than five minutes requires professional medical evaluation.