Operation Epilepsy Outreach:
Educational Programming for Members of the Armed Services
War can have a serious impact on a soldier's well-being from both a physical and emotional standpoint. As soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the Vietnam conflict, studies are showing a significant connection between head injuries/traumatic brain injuries (TBI) sustained in combat and epilepsy. Between 48,000 and 169,000 servicemen and women serving in Iraq or Afghanistan are expected to develop post-traumatic epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Foundation has developed Operation Epilepsy Outreach to educate veterans about epilepsy and the resources available to them. The program includes such topics as emotionally instability, feelings of isolation, medication compliance, and navigating the benefits and counseling maze. We want assure these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much that they are not alone in dealing with epilepsy.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy: Important Information for Service Members, Veterans and Families is a free brochure available by contacting the Epilepsy Foundation office at epilepsy@epilepsyga.org The brochure covers the various types of seizures, diagnostic techniques and seizure first aid procedures.
Additional Resources
National Epilepsy Office: epilepsyfoundation.org/resources/veterans.cfm
VA Epilepsy Center of Excellence: www.epilepsy.va.gov/index.asp
SHARE Initiative, Shepherd Center: www.shepherd.org/patient-care/care-for-us-service-members
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) : www.dvbic.org
American Veterans with Brain Injuries: www.avbi.org
America’s Heroes at Work: www.americasheroesatwork.gov
Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Disorder : www.dcoe.health.mil
Traumatic Brain Injury: The Journey Home : www.traumaticbraininjuryatoz.org
Yellow Ribbon Project: www.yellowribbon.mil
If you would like to have an Operation Epilepsy Outreach Program for your group please fill out the online form below and click submit.
