Epilepsy affects a staggering 65 million people globally.
It is one of the most common neurological conditions, yet is rarely spoken about.
Children and adults living with a diagnosis experience recurrent seizures caused by disruptions to their brain's electrical signals.
There are over 40 different types of seizures - some are convulsive while others can be mistaken for daydreaming or even intoxication.
Unfortunately misunderstanding and stigma still exists around epilepsy.
That's why I'm delighted that on Purple Day, March 26, the City of Mandurah have got involved to spread awareness and our message.
The local council will illuminate the Mandurah Foreshore Bridge in purple to help shine a light on this common but hidden condition.
Epilepsy is in the top five causes of avoidable deaths in young Australians and is the third most common chronic health condition affecting children.
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Sadly epilepsy remains underfunded compared to other neurological conditions and does not achieve the same level of media or public attention.
We're also not informed how to reduce our risk.
Over 60s are now the largest age group of Australians being diagnosed and 26,000 Western Australians live with epilepsy - one in 200 children.
With 1400 new WA patients each year and the devastating impact a diagnosis can have on peoples' lives, it is time to get epilepsy-aware.
People can reduce their risk by wearing a helmet when cycling or participating in high impact sports.
They can also reduce the risk of acquiring epilepsy via cancer or stroke by adopting healthy lifestyle choices.
Good pregnancy care is essential to help reduce the chance of epilepsy at birth.
This Purple Day I encourage you to spark up a conversation at home or work to bring epilepsy out of the shadows.
Epilepsy WA provides support groups, training programs and a new Epilepsy Smart Schools accreditation program.
Visit www.epilepsywa.asn.au or call 1300 852 853 for more information on the organisation.
Emma Buitendag is Epilepsy WA chief executive.