November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month

To show its support for the 124,000 Pennsylvanians who deal with epilepsy and seizures, state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today said the state has invested $750,000 this year to provide programs and services for people who suffer with the afflictions.

This is National Epilepsy Awareness Month.

"More people are diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorders than with Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy combined," Dr. Johnson said. "That is what makes our collaboration with the epilepsy foundations of Western/Central and Eastern Pennsylvania so important. We are working to increase awareness and eliminate negative stereotypes associated with epilepsy and seizure disorders."

Epilepsy/seizure disorder is a neurological disorder that affects more than 2.5 million people nationwide, with 181,000 newly diagnosed each year. It is a physical condition caused by sudden, brief changes in the brain's electrical balance.

"Seizures often first develop during the pre-school and elementary school years," Dr. Johnson said. "While the cause of epilepsy/seizure disorder is not known, and is generally a chronic and/or lifelong condition, seizures can often be controlled with anti-epileptic medications, special diets or surgery."

The Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania received $475,000 and the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania received $275,000 to provide support services for children and adults with epilepsy/seizures and their families. For more information about epilepsy, or to locate available services in your community, go to the Department of Health's Web site at www.health.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Troy Thompson

(717) 783-1116