1 In 5 People Would Not Employ People With Epilepsy

On European Epilepsy Day today, Epilepsy Ireland released results of national consumer research conducted in January 2013 which show that nearly 20% of people if given the choice would not employ someone with epilepsy.

45% of people said they knew someone with epilepsy and 50% of them admitted there is still a stigma amongst the public attached to the condition.

Epilepsy is characterized by a tendency to have recurring seizures. It is estimated that about 1 in 20 people will have a single seizure at some time in their lives and research has found that 1 in every 115 people in Ireland or 37,000 people over the age of five years have a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Speaking about the stigma associated with epilepsy and employment, Peter Murphy, Deputy CEO Epilepsy Ireland said: "Despite the fact that epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in Ireland and even though there have been significant advances in treatment, public awareness and understanding of the condition remains poor and negative attitudes towards epilepsy are a major challenge for many people living with the condition. In fact, myths, misconceptions, fear and discrimination still surround epilepsy, often causing more distress than the condition itself and having a huge impact on people's quality of life. Epilepsy is not contagious and people with epilepsy can work successfully, have a family, drive, play sports and make the same positive contribution to society as we all do."

(CD/GK)