Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend

08/12/2026

Earlier this year, we shared the story of musician Guy Stoker, who spoke openly about living with epilepsy and the stigma that came with it.

Epilepsy is more than seizures. It can affect how people are perceived, how comfortable they feel talking about their experiences, and how connected they feel to the people around them.

That’s why conversation matters. At Brainstorm: A Film Screening & Community Conversation About Epilepsy, we’ll bring people together through the power of film to challenge stigma and strengthen public understanding.

Join us September 3rd. Admission is free. Space is limited. Registration is required. To register, click this link --> https://forms.gle/yfZHfVop7ra1LkMU6

Guy Stoker has campaigned to support people, like him, living with epilepsy - but says dealing with the stigma can be tough.

08/10/2026

Thank you to Florida Panhandle Technical College, for inviting us to give a seizure first aid presentation last week!

We appreciate the opportunity to educate, connect, and help build a seizure-safe community. 💛

08/05/2026

Summer is a time for fun but it’s also important to remember to stay seizure safe.

Whether you’re heading to the pool, spending time outdoors, or traveling this summer, a little planning can go a long way. This month's newsletter highlights “Summer Safety for People with Seizures” offering practical tips to help individuals with epilepsy enjoy the season while staying safe.

Click the link below to read the full article!

Want more epilepsy news, educational resources, and EABB updates? Sign up for our monthly newsletter at www.eabb.org.

During the heat of summer, people with epilepsy may face seizure triggers. Consider limiting time in the sun, wearing different clothes, and staying hydrated.

07/24/2026

Join us on September 3, 2026, at the Challenger Learning Center IMAX for a special screening of Brainstorm, an award-winning documentary by journalist, filmmaker, author, and epilepsy advocate Stacia Kalinoski.

Through the stories of a broadcast journalist, a nationally recognized football coach, and a middle school student and his family, Brainstorm offers an honest, moving, and hopeful look at life with epilepsy while challenging misconceptions and stigma. For more information visit www.eabb.org.

Admission is free but space is limited. Registration is required by August 26, 2026.

To register, contact Gabriela Pineda at [email protected] or call (850) 222-1777.

07/17/2026

Did you know that epilepsy isn’t always easy to diagnose?
This month's newsletter highlights an important story from WVU School of Medicine about the growing effort to identify and treat undiagnosed epilepsy throughout Appalachia. According to experts, epilepsy cases are critically underreported across the Appalachia region, potentially leaving many people without the epilepsy care they need.

With expanded access to epilepsy specialists and advanced diagnostic tools, more individuals can receive answers, treatment, and hope. An epilepsy diagnosis can be life-changing, but so can receiving the right care. Raising awareness and improving access to specialized services help ensure more people can get the support they need. Click the link below to read the full article!

Want more epilepsy news, educational resources, and updates from EABB? Sign up for our monthly newsletter at www.eabb.org to stay informed about the latest in epilepsy education, advocacy, and support.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Epilepsy specialists believe that fewer than 10 percent of the estimated 20,000-to-25,000 patients in the region who have epilepsy are currently being treated – a gap they say leads to delayed diagnoses, preventable...

07/15/2026

This month's newsletter highlights the story of an Army Veteran who became the first patient at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center to receive cutting-edge, minimally invasive laser treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. This milestone reflects the fantastic progress being made in epilepsy research and the growing number of treatment available for some individuals living with epilepsy.

While every person’s epilepsy journey is unique, stories like this remind us that advances in research and technology continue to bring new hope to the epilepsy community. Click the link below to read the full article!

Want more epilepsy news, research updates, educational resources, and success stories delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our monthly newsletter at www.eabb.org and stay connected with the latest in epilepsy education and advocacy.

A retired soldier becomes the first in the VA system to receive a minimally invasive Visualase procedure, offering new hope for treating focal epilepsy.

07/08/2026

Did you know that living with epilepsy can sometimes lead to medical trauma?

For many individuals and families, the journey with epilepsy involves much more than managing seizures. Frequent hospital visits, medical procedures, uncertainty, and feeling misunderstood can leave lasting emotional effects that often go unnoticed.

This month’s newsletter features a CURE Epilepsy Seizing Life podcast episode exploring “Epilepsy and Medical Trauma: Recognizing, Accepting, and Healing.” This conversation discusses what medical trauma is, how it can impact those living with epilepsy and their loved ones, and the importance of recognizing and healing from these experiences. Click the link below to listen to the episode today!

At EABB, we believe epilepsy care goes beyond seizure management. That’s why we offer our free monthly Zoom education series, “Master the Essentials of Self-Management: Building Confidence, Connection, and Empowerment,” where individuals with epilepsy, caregivers, family members, and community members can gain practical tools, support, and strategies for navigating life with epilepsy. To join, please contact Gabriela Pineda at [email protected] or visit www.eabb.org.

And for more stories like this, stay up to date by signing up for our monthly newsletter at eabb.org

Neuropsychologist Dr. James Jackson discusses the concept of medical trauma and the often-overlooked emotional toll of living with epilepsy on individuals and families.

06/10/2026

The Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend is proud to serve as a sponsoring organization of the National Plan for Epilepsy Campaign, a bipartisan effort to improve epilepsy research, access to care, public awareness, and quality of life for people living with epilepsy and their families.

Led by congressional epilepsy champions in both the U.S. House and Senate and supported by more than 120 epilepsy organizations nationwide, the campaign seeks to advance a comprehensive National Plan for Epilepsy and strengthen the nation's response to this common neurological condition.

Take action today and ask your members of Congress to Support the National Plan for Epilepsy Act.

🔗 Click the link below to take action

What is a National Plan for Epilepsy and What Would It Do? The Epilepsy Caucus Co-chairs, Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) & Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21) & Greg Murphy, MD...

06/02/2026

As temperatures continue to rise during the Florida summer, it’s important to understand how extreme heat can impact people living with epilepsy. Florida is located within America’s “Epilepsy Belt,” and research suggests that frequent exposure to temperatures above 95°F may increase seizure risk for some individuals.

This month’s newsletter features the article, “How Climate Change May Impact Genetic Conditions and Certain Types of Epilepsies,” which explores the impact of rising temperatures and climate abnormalities. To read the full article, click the link below!

At EABB, we believe education and awareness are essential parts of epilepsy care and safety. That’s why we offer a free monthly Zoom education series focused on seizure safety, trigger awareness, and daily living skills. Individuals with epilepsy, family members, friends, caregivers, and community members are all welcome to join to learn seizure first aid, identify potential triggers, and gain practical tools for everyday life. To join, please contact Gabriela Pineda at [email protected] or visit www.eabb.org.

And for more stories like this, stay up to date by signing up for our monthly newsletter at eabb.org.

Climate change may worsen symptoms of heat‑sensitive genetic variants, making some neurological and epileptic conditions more likely to appear or intensify during heatwaves. Researchers identify “calortypic” genes that raise hidden vulnerability.