New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS): In a bid to provide awareness about epilipsy, a common neurological disorder, NGO Ekatwam said Thursday it will organize the EpiCon 2014 international conference in the national capital from Oct 30 to Nov 1.

According to the NGO, epilepsy is estimated to be affecting nearly 10 million people in India and 65 million globally.

"Despite such a high prevalence, the awareness concerning epilepsy in India is quite low. This lack of awareness further perpetuates the already existing stigma around epilepsy, as persons with epilepsy are often discriminated against, turned down
for jobs and treated with fear or antipathy," Ekatwam secretary Adosh Datta told IANS here.

"Thus, the lack of knowledge makes epilepsy a social problem, not just a medical one.
Epilepsy also happens to be one of the most complicated and intriguing brain disorders."

Datta added that Ekatwam with SGTB Khalsa College of Delhi University have partnered to organise EpiCon to spread awareness about epilepsy and to engage school special educators and counsellors towards the needs of a children with the diseases.

The conference will also provide educators, counsellors and care givers with complete information and knowledge about Epilepsy and an opportunity to interact with leading neurologist from across the world.