NATIONAL EPILEPSY WEEK 2003

Early day motion 1063, tabled 10 April 2003 by Liam Fox (Conservative). Signed by 69 members.

That this House notes the importance of National Epilepsy Week from 18th to 24th May and praises the National Society for Epilepsy and the British Epilepsy Association for raising awareness of this important issue; wholeheartedly supports National Epilepsy Week, which raises awareness of epilepsy, a common brain disorder characterised by re-occurring epileptic seizures, and commends this year's theme which is attitudes to epilepsy; notes that more than 300,000 people in the UK have epilepsy and that 80 new cases are diagnosed in the UK every day; is concerned that one person in 50 will develop epilepsy at some time in their life and that one in 20 will have at least a single seizure; wishes to raise awareness that epilepsy can develop at any age but is diagnosed most often before the age of 20 and after the age of 60; is heartened that up to 80 per cent. of people with epilepsy can achieve total control of their seizures with anti-epileptic medication; recognises the important need for the dissemination of information and support to both professionals and people affected by epilepsy, to raising awareness of the condition among the public and providing care for people with epilepsy through medical, residential and rehabilitation services; praises highly the National Society for Epilepsy and the British Epilepsy Association for providing such services; and wishes National Epilepsy Week every success.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Conservative 23, Liberal Democrat 13, UUP 3, DUP 2, Labour/Co-operative 2.