How can I best prepare to get the most out of this webinar?
Review basic facts about epilepsy ahead of time, write 2–3 specific questions you want answered, test your device, browser and internet connection before join time, enable captions if you need them, and have headphones/pen and paper ready. If you plan to share a personal story, consider whether you want it recorded or remain private and notify the organizer.
What are respectful ways to talk about and support people with epilepsy?
Use person-first language (e.g., 'person with epilepsy'), avoid sensationalizing or assuming cognitive ability, ask before offering help, listen without judgment, and challenge myths you hear. Support can also mean advocating for workplace accommodations, promoting seizure-first-aid training, and sharing reputable resources from medical organizations.
If I see or hear a seizure described during the event, how should I respond in the chat or Q&A to be helpful?
Offer calm, factual responses and avoid spreading unverified remedies. If someone asks for immediate help, direct them to contact local emergency services. Use the chat to ask clarifying, non-judgmental questions (e.g., 'When did this start?' or 'Has medical care been sought?'). If you witnessed a seizure in person, remind them of first-aid steps without making assumptions about their needs.
What are the key seizure-first-aid steps I should know and share with others?
Stay with the person and time the seizure, keep them safe by clearing nearby hazards, cushion their head, do NOT put anything in their mouth, do NOT restrain movements, place them on their side if breathing is normal, and call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, repeats without recovery, or if it's a first-time seizure or the person is injured.
I want to support the cause but can't donate money — what effective actions can I take after the webinar?
Share reliable information to reduce stigma, organize or attend educational sessions at work/school, encourage epilepsy-first-aid training, volunteer with local support groups, advocate for better healthcare access and policies, and amplify speakers' resources and messages on social media with accurate context.
Did you know?
Did you know epilepsy affects about 50 million people worldwide, making public awareness events a powerful way to reach many people and reduce stigma?
About 70% of people with epilepsy could become seizure-free with proper diagnosis and treatment—joining learning events helps people get the information they need to seek care.
https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treatment
Seizure first aid is simple to learn (e.g., protect from injury, time the seizure, roll onto side when possible); attending workshops makes you ready to help someone safely.
Stigma and misinformation create barriers to diagnosis and treatment—community education and conversations directly reduce stigma and improve outcomes for people with epilepsy.
Peer support and community involvement significantly improve quality of life for people with epilepsy—joining events or support groups helps build those connections.
Epilepsy can result from many causes (genetics, stroke, brain injury, infections, or unknown), so broad public participation in awareness helps ensure diverse needs are understood and addressed.
FAQ
Did you know?