Survey on Epilepsy Finds Lack of Quality Care
The federal government held a multiple, 19-state survey on epilepsy and seizure disorder and found that many who have been diagnosed with epilepsy are getting inadequate treatment. The survey also estimates that nearly one percent of American adults have epilepsy (over 2 million) and that one in six of those experiencing epileptic seizures are not on medication. The study was based on data from adults in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The data came from over more than 118,000 persons.
Most patients reported that the reason they were not on medication for their epilepsy was because they were not seeing a specialist. While many were seeing a primary care physician, the treatment they receive is not qualified as sufficient by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Over twenty percent of the patients polled stated that the cost of a specialist was their main deterrent in seeking quality care.
Epilepsy is a disease that affects brain circuitry and can cause seizures. Many with the disease are unable to drive and work due to these seizures. Epilepsy can cause changes in sensation, movement and awareness that renders some patients disabled, though some with epilepsy lead productive lives. Nearly 200,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year in the United States.
Epilepsy is a highly specialized field that can only be well-managed with specialized, quality care. The results of the federal survey are disconcerting for many in the medical community. Unfortunately, it's a circular issue: those with epilepsy oftentimes bring in less money and may be unable to work, and on the other end, their care is expensive and many don't have access to good healthcare. Because of the lack of insurance and the financial barriers presented the disease, many are unable to afford anti-seizure medication.
Seeing a neurologist is not a viable option for many. Over 16 percent of patients with epilepsy who had recent seizures reported that they were not taking medication and over 65 percent of those with epilepsy reported having at least one seizure in the prior month.
The study was published in the Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and also found that epilepsy costs more than $15 billion yearly in reduced or lost earnings and productivity.
Many are worried that this number will climb due to head injuries to veterans who are fighting in the war, as well as the amount of aging U.S. citizens. At present, there are no quick fixes or cures for this medical challenge.
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Most patients reported that the reason they were not on medication for their epilepsy was because they were not seeing a specialist. While many were seeing a primary care physician, the treatment they receive is not qualified as sufficient by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Over twenty percent of the patients polled stated that the cost of a specialist was their main deterrent in seeking quality care.
Epilepsy is a disease that affects brain circuitry and can cause seizures. Many with the disease are unable to drive and work due to these seizures. Epilepsy can cause changes in sensation, movement and awareness that renders some patients disabled, though some with epilepsy lead productive lives. Nearly 200,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year in the United States.
Epilepsy is a highly specialized field that can only be well-managed with specialized, quality care. The results of the federal survey are disconcerting for many in the medical community. Unfortunately, it's a circular issue: those with epilepsy oftentimes bring in less money and may be unable to work, and on the other end, their care is expensive and many don't have access to good healthcare. Because of the lack of insurance and the financial barriers presented the disease, many are unable to afford anti-seizure medication.
Seeing a neurologist is not a viable option for many. Over 16 percent of patients with epilepsy who had recent seizures reported that they were not taking medication and over 65 percent of those with epilepsy reported having at least one seizure in the prior month.
The study was published in the Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and also found that epilepsy costs more than $15 billion yearly in reduced or lost earnings and productivity.
Many are worried that this number will climb due to head injuries to veterans who are fighting in the war, as well as the amount of aging U.S. citizens. At present, there are no quick fixes or cures for this medical challenge.
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