Health Education & Advocacy

World Epilepsy Day, observed on February 9th, 2026 plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about epilepsy! This annual day of awareness showcases the importance of understanding and compassion, as it highlights the need for continued efforts towards better treatment options, inclusive policies, and a more informed public.  Each year since its creation in 2015,…

Seizure Action Plan Awareness week is an awareness event held the second week of February every year to complement International Epilepsy Day, which is celebrated every year on the second Monday in February. In 2026, International Epilepsy Day will be celebrated on Monday, February 9th marking the start of Seizure Action Plan Awareness week, which…

Mia Costa joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York (EFNENY) team in September 2025 as the Marketing & Communications Intern.    Mia is currently in her 2nd year at the University at Albany and is majoring in Communications with a dual minor in business and journalism. She is set to graduate in May 2027.    Drawn to…

Making a will and naming the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York was an important decision for Barbara Quackenbush, a current member of the Purple Legacy Society. This is her story: I have experienced epilepsy and the challenges it presents firsthand.  I had my first seizure when I was 38 years old, but wasn’t diagnosed with…

Introduction: What Is an EEG and Why Is It Important?  An EEG, or Electroencephalogram, is a painless, safe test performed to record electrical activity in the brain. It is one of the most significant tools doctors use to diagnose epilepsy, to determine the type of seizure a person has, and to guide treatment options. Although…

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting millions of people worldwide. While many individuals develop epilepsy due to genetic factors or unknown causes, a significant subset develops what is known as “post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE)—a form of epilepsy that occurs as a result of brain injury or trauma. If you or a loved…

When epilepsy and dementia overlap—as they often do in older adults—treatment becomes a delicate balancing act. Seizures must be managed carefully without worsening cognitive decline, and medications prescribed for dementia must avoid interfering with seizure control. In this post, we’ll explore the latest pharmacological and non-drug strategies for treating both conditions together, with special attention…

So far in this series, we’ve explored how epilepsy—especially when misdiagnosed—can contribute to cognitive decline and even dementia. But the relationship between these two conditions goes both ways. Dementia doesn’t just affect memory and reasoning—it can also increase the brain’s vulnerability to seizures. In this post, we’ll unpack how and why dementia can lead to…

Epilepsy is often thought of as a disorder defined by dramatic convulsions—but much more can happen beneath the surface. In older adults especially, seizures may present subtly yet still leave lasting effects. Repeated focal onset impaired awareness seizures, non-convulsive events, and chronic seizure activity can gradually increase the risk of developing dementia over time. In…

For years, epilepsy and dementia were considered distinct neurological conditions, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. However, research has shown that the two can influence one another in complex ways. While epilepsy can increase the risk of developing dementia, dementia can also raise susceptibility to seizures. Recognizing this connection is essential for…

Emily Huff joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York (EFNENY) team in Fall 2024 as a Master of Social Work (MSW) Intern.    Emily is currently in her third year at the University at Albany where she is working toward her Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH). She is set…

For individuals living with epilepsy, managing seizures is a crucial aspect of maintaining their quality of life. While many patients achieve seizure control with anti-seizure medications (ASMs), about 30-40% of individuals have drug-resistant or medically refractory epilepsy—a form of epilepsy that cannot be controlled by traditional medications (Hakami, 2021). For these patients, alternative treatment options…

Hailey Scheinman joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York (EFNENY) team in September 2024 as the Marketing Communications and Special Events Intern.   Hailey is currently a sophomore at the University of Central Florida where she studies Nonprofit Management. She is set to graduate in May 2027.   “When I saw this internship opportunity, I knew…

Happy New Year! A new year for many of us means new habits, new goals, and even working towards a new outlook. There’s so much pressure for new beginnings, different routines, and fresh starts. We’re expecting ourselves to feel rejuvenated and motivated.  We need to remember it is still the middle of winter. The days…

A seizure is defined as a temporary change or disruption in the way the brain sends electrical signals1. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is diagnosed when someone is at risk for recurrent, unprovoked seizures.   Medications are the first-line treatment for seizure control, and they are highly effective for many individuals. Around 70% of people…

Seizures can be unpredictable, often happening randomly, at unexpected times. For people living with epilepsy, this can become a safety concern. Typically, seizures only last between one and three minutes. In some cases, seizures can last longer or occur in clusters. These situations are considered seizure emergencies. To be prepared in the event of unexpected…

Each year, New Year Resolutions are set relating to getting healthy, losing weight and dieting. While there are many benefits to eating healthy and following a diet plan, some diets have been proven to successfully treat specific seizure disorders. For individuals diagnosed with certain types of epilepsy, the ketogenic diet may not only act as…

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing seizures, anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the primary treatment used to control seizures for most individuals living with epilepsy. Medications can help stabilize brain activity and reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. However, finding the right medication can be a process of trial and error, and it…