PEOPLE are being urged to learn more about problems faced by epilepsy sufferers during National Epilepsy Week.

The event runs until Saturday and the National Society for Epilepsy is trying to make people more aware of the condition.

Epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder, affecting one in 200 people, more than 300,000 in UK alone. As many as 80 new cases are diagnosed every day in Britain.

Margaret Thomas, public relations manager for NSE in Chalfont St Peter, said: "Epilepsy knows no boundaries and can affect anyone at any time, irrespective of age, colour, creed or social status.

"It's potential causes are varied, including accidental injury, infections, stroke, alcohol and drug abuse. Yet in many cases there is no known cause."

As part of the week, the society is calling for an end to prejudice against people suffering from the condition which it says still prevail in the work place.

A survey revealed 45 per cent of sufferers have experienced prejudice at work, as a result of their condition. A third believed they had lost a job because of their epilepsy.

The NSE runs a confidential information helpline for anyone wanting to know more about epilepsy, contact 01494 601400