Hesperian Health Guides
Epilepsy
Contents
Hesperianâs online resources
Hesperianâs HealthWiki provides free access to our resources on many health topics, in many languages (see: en.hesperian.org/hhg/HealthWiki). After opening each page, click âIn this chapterâ to see related pages.
Many children with disabilities also have epilepsy or seizures; and many children with epilepsy also have other disabilities. This book offers a broad understanding of many disabilities and how to help children where resources are limited.
Promoting Community Mental Health
Explanations and tools that people can use to improve the emotional health of their communities, including information about stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Provides basic first aid information covering a range of emergencies, including what to do if a person has a seizure.
Covers the essentials of care before, during, and after pregnancy and birth.
Helping Children Live with HIV
Includes information about child development and support for communicating with children of all ages.
Epilepsy organizations
The International League Against Epilepsy (ILEA) has chapters in 120 countries.
Their website and newsletters provide up-to-date information on medical and social aspects of epilepsy. While the main language is English, information is available in many languages.
The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) has chapters throughout the world which focus on advocacy for social and legal rights for people with epilepsy.
IBE also maintains a website focusing on women and epilepsy:
There are many national, local, and special focus epilepsy organizations. Here are two listings you may find useful:
General epilepsy information
Epilepsy: A public health imperative (2019) This World Health Organization (WHO) report, done in collaboration with the ILEA and the IBE, explores the impact of epilepsy worldwide and outlines public health actions needed to improve care.
Intersectoral global action plan (IGAP) on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, 2022-2031
This WHO document sets policy goals to improve access to epilepsy treatment and reduce epilepsy stigma internationally. It is accompanied by an implementation toolkit for people working to turn the plans into reality.
Free Access Epilepsy Journals
Many medical sources with research and information about epilepsy are very expensive to read. The 10 scientific journals listed on this website are free for everyone to read, although some may be difficult to understand.
Seizure first aid
Seizure first aid videos
From the British Red Cross:
From the Apollo hospital group in India:
Seizure first aid posters
Downloadable posters with simple, step-by-step guidance in multiple languages.
Online seizure first aid training
An on-demand seizure first aid training designed for school settings but appropriate for anyone seeking to learn the basics of epilepsy and how to recognize and respond to a seizure. From Epilepsy Alliance America.
Identifying seizure types
Epilepsy and Seizures
Developed by the US National Institutes of Health, this resource explains the different seizure types and includes information on childhood epilepsy, nonepileptic seizures, treatments, and more.
Types of Seizures
An explanation of the new ILAE system for classifying types of seizures designed to support better recognition and management of epilepsy and seizures. For medical professionals.
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES)
A set of resources on seizures not caused by epilepsy, with links to articles, webinars, books, and films for patients, families, and health professionals. The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) are available in both English and Spanish.
Advocacy tools
IBE Advocacy Toolkits
Guidance, ideas, and inspiration for organizations working to:
Make Epilepsy a Priority in Africa:
Make Epilepsy a Priority in the Americas:
Reduce Epilepsy Stigma in Africa:
The Community Health Workerâs Training Curriculum for Epilepsy Self-Management
Developed by the Managing Epilepsy Well Network to train CHWs with some medical knowledge to support people with epilepsy in community settings.
The Curse of Stigma (video)
A documentary film that shares stories of living with epilepsy and the pain, isolation, and harm suffered because of discrimination and deeply-embedded cultural beliefs.
Whatâs Wrong with How We See Epilepsy
This short article reviews and counters 10 harmful myths about epilepsy.
Living well
Exercise and epilepsy: Research and myths (audio)
An ILAE podcast episode that discusses current research and myths about exercise for people with epilepsy.
Self-Management Tools
These resources from the Managing Epilepsy Well Network explain epilepsy self- management as a team effort between the person with epilepsy, their family and friends, and doctors.
Ketogenic Diet Explained
The Charlie Foundation promotes ketogenic diets to treat epilepsy and other conditions. This webpage explains how and why a ketogenic diet helps control seizures for some people.
Peer support groups by and for people with lived experience
A WHO booklet to guide you in setting up and running a peer support group.
Pregnancy and birth
Epilepsy and Pregnancy Medical Consortium This organizationâs website provides helpful, regularly updated information and links useful for people with epilepsy and for their doctors and midwives.
Pregnancy and Epilepsy (video)
A video produced by Epilepsy Action in the UK to answer common questions about epilepsy and pregnancy.
Women and Epilepsy
Hosted on the IBE website, these resources address multiple issues faced by women with epilepsy, including information about pregnancy.
Children and young people
Anti-Bullying Poster
Children for Healthâs free, downloadable anti-bullying poster.
Teacher Tool Kit to Promote Well-being in Students with Epilepsy
This Canadian resource for teachers includes 2 videos (English) and 2 booklets (in 6 languages) that explain what epilepsy is, how it affects school achievement, and use of emergency medicines.
Improving the management of prolonged convulsive seizures for children in schools: An advocacy toolkit
An IBE guide, including videos and checklists, to support schools to develop policies that promote inclusion for children with epilepsy.
La Historia de Juanito/ Juanitoâs Story (video)
This Chilean video (Spanish, with subtitles in many languages) of a puppet show educates about epilepsy, how to help during a seizure, and dispels fears and myths to promote understanding and support.
My Thinking Cap: A Coloring Book about Epilepsy
Massachusetts General Hospital produced this free, downloadable coloring book to help children understand how the brain works and what an EEG is.
Seizures and Epilepsy in Children: A Comprehensive Guide, 4th edition
This comprehensive, parent-focused book covers the practical, emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of epilepsy, including medicines, side effects, testing, diets, and digital resources. Your local library may have a copy.
Warriors of Light: Kids Yoga in Color (videos)
These 20 short videos show age-appropriate yoga techniques for self-calming through fun exercise, meditation, and relaxation.
Violence
Violence in a Structural and Cultural Context (video)
Emory University produced this 7½ minute talk to discuss structural and cultural violence.
Violence and injury (VIP) short courses
WHO offers these free, short (2 to 5 day) trainings-in-a-box that facilitators and trainers can deliver on violence and injury topics, such as child injury prevention, intimate partner and sexual violence prevention, and trauma care.