Nationwide three million adults and children are diagnosed with epilepsy.  More people have epilepsy than have multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s combined. Approximately, 10% of Alzheimer’s and 22% of stroke patients will be affected with epilepsy. 

The Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana’s mission is to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research. We are the only agency in St. Charles parish and in Louisiana that provides services to individuals with epilepsy.

Epilepsy remains a misunderstood condition. The Foundation combats this misinformation with education.  We provide epilepsy and seizure first aid education in schools and businesses, medication assistance, advocacy, counseling for patients and their families, support groups and we sponsor a summer camp for children with epilepsy.  All services are free and provided statewide. 

Even in a difficult economy, the Foundation has been successful in making a difference in the lives of others. Last year, we served more than 15,000 people with only 5 staff members.  But any non-profit knows, as the cost of everything increases, expenses constantly chase us.  Donations & volunteers keep non-profits one step ahead.

Please consider supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana. We welcome any questions you have about epilepsy, its affects, its treatments and how our services make a difference.   The story below emphasizes the value of epilepsy education in our schools.

"People Don't Understand Epilepsy"-- Abby's Story

Abby’s parents said they felt something was going on with Abby, 11, but they weren’t sure what was happening.   Abby’s sister learned about epilepsy at school when a local epilepsy educator spoke at her health class.

Abby sister’s told her mother that she thought Abby was having seizures.  A pediatric neurologist confirmed that Abby has epilepsy. She is now being treated for her seizures.  Abby has absence seizures. “I blank out & can’t hear anything. I just kind of stare off and my lips move. After the seizure, I realize that I just had one”.  Children with absence seizures are often misdiagnosed with attention problems. This type of seizure lasts only a few seconds.

Abby says the hardest thing about living with epilepsy is, “people don’t understand Epilepsy.”