International Epilepsy Day 2026 (9 February): Date,
Theme, Facts, Raising Awareness & Ending Stigma

When Is International Epilepsy Day 2026?

International Epilepsy Day is marked on the second Monday of February each year. In 2026, it falls on February 9, aligning with global efforts to spark conversations about epilepsy, challenge myths, and encourage inclusion.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

Key facts:

• Epilepsy is not contagious
• Many people with epilepsy live full, active lives
• With proper treatment, seizures can often be managed or controlled

Why International Epilepsy Day Matters

Despite medical advances, people with epilepsy still face stigma, discrimination, and lack of understanding. This day is important because it:

• Promotes accurate information about epilepsy
• Encourages early diagnosis and treatment
• Supports people living with epilepsy and caregivers
• Advocates for equal rights, education, and employment
• Breaks harmful myths and misconceptions

Awareness leads to acceptance — and acceptance leads to better quality of life.

International Epilepsy Day 2026 Theme

“Turning Stories into Action”

In 2026, the global campaign by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) centers on transforming awareness into meaningful, concrete action. After focusing on personal experiences and raising visibility in previous years, this year’s theme emphasizes taking real steps throughout 2026 — big or small — that strengthen awareness, safety, inclusion, and community support for people living with epilepsy.

A key part of this theme is the #EpilepsyPledge, which invites individuals, workplaces, schools, and organizations to commit to specific actions that contribute to epilepsy understanding and support, such as learning seizure first-aid, challenging myths, or sharing accurate information.

Common Myths vs Facts

• Myth: Epilepsy is a mental illness
  Fact: Epilepsy is a neurological condition
• Myth: People with epilepsy can’t work or study
  Fact: With support, most people with epilepsy can live independently
• Myth: Seizures always look the same
  Fact: There are many types of seizures, and not all involve convulsions

How to Support Someone During a Seizure

Basic seizure first aid can save lives:

• Stay calm and keep the person safe
• Move harmful objects away
• Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth
• Turn them on their side once the seizure ends
• Stay with them until they recover

Knowing what to do makes a big difference.

How to Observe International Epilepsy Day

• ✔ Spread Awareness: Share educational posts, articles, or personal stories on social media.
• ✔ Wear Purple: Purple is the global color of epilepsy awareness.
• ✔ Learn Seizure First Aid: Educate yourself and others on how to respond safely.
• ✔ Support Advocacy Groups: Donate or volunteer with epilepsy foundations and organizations.
• ✔ Promote Inclusion: Encourage understanding at workplaces, schools, and communities.

Living with Epilepsy: Beyond the Diagnosis

Epilepsy does not define a person. With awareness, empathy, and access to healthcare, individuals with epilepsy can pursue their goals, careers, and dreams without limitation. International Epilepsy Day 2026 reminds us that knowledge replaces fear, and compassion replaces stigma.

Quotes for International Epilepsy Day

• “The greatest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted.” — Mother Teresa
• “People with epilepsy are more than their diagnosis.” — Dr. Orrin Devinsky
• “Awareness is the first step toward acceptance.” — Unknown
• “A disability does not define a person; their abilities do.” — Unknown
• “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.” — World Health Organization (WHO)
• “Understanding replaces fear when knowledge is shared.” — Unknown
• “We cannot let stigma and misunderstanding define neurological conditions.” — Dr. Sanjay Gupta
• “Inclusion begins when we choose empathy over judgment.” — Brené Brown

Wishes & Messages for International Epilepsy Day 2026

• On International Epilepsy Day 2026, let’s replace myths with facts and stigma with compassion.
• Raising awareness today helps create a safer and more inclusive world for people with epilepsy.
• May knowledge, care, and understanding guide our actions this International Epilepsy Day.
• Supporting epilepsy awareness means supporting human dignity and equality.
• Together, we can break the silence and stand with the epilepsy community.
• Awareness saves lives — let’s learn, share, and support.
• International Epilepsy Day reminds us that empathy is powerful.
• Let’s celebrate strength, resilience, and hope on February 9.
• On International Epilepsy Day, let us choose understanding over assumptions and compassion over fear.
• Awareness creates change — may today inspire learning, empathy, and inclusion for people living with epilepsy.
• Every step toward education helps break the stigma around epilepsy. Let’s walk that path together.
• International Epilepsy Day reminds us that kindness and knowledge can change lives.
• Supporting epilepsy awareness means standing up for dignity, respect, and equal opportunities.
• Let today be a reminder that epilepsy does not define a person — strength, resilience, and hope do.
• Together, we can build a world where people with epilepsy feel seen, supported, and understood.
• Awareness is powerful. Compassion is transformative. Let’s practice both today and every day.
• Learning seizure first aid is a simple act that can make a life-saving difference.
• On February 9, we stand in solidarity with millions living with epilepsy worldwide.
• Breaking myths starts with honest conversations — let’s keep talking.
• International Epilepsy Day is a call to listen, learn, and lead with empathy.

Social Media Captions for International Epilepsy Day 2026

• 💜 Awareness leads to acceptance. #InternationalEpilepsyDay2026
• Wear purple. Share facts. End stigma.
• Epilepsy is a condition — not a limitation.
• Learn seizure first aid. It can save a life.
• Stand together for understanding and inclusion.
• Knowledge replaces fear. #EpilepsyAwareness
• Supporting millions worldwide this Epilepsy Day 💜

Poster Ideas for International Epilepsy Day 2026

• Purple Awareness Theme: Visual: Purple ribbon or brain illustration, Text: “International Epilepsy Day – February 9, 2026”
• Myth vs Fact Poster: Simple educational layout breaking common misconceptions
• Human Stories Poster: Real people, real lives, Text: “Epilepsy Does Not Define Me”
• First Aid Awareness Poster: Step-by-step seizure first aid visuals
• Minimal Quote Poster: Quote-focused design with calming purple tones

A Call for Understanding

On February 9, 2026, let’s come together to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with the epilepsy community. Awareness is the first step toward acceptance — and acceptance changes lives.