Beyond the Diagnosis: Embracing the Humanity Behind Epilepsy Care
Patient-Centered Approach
Epilepsy care extends beyond seizure control, focusing on overall well-being, cognitive function, and quality of life for patients and their families3.
Extended EEGs provide therapeutic benefits to patients, including a sense of agency, comfort, and validation, enhancing their overall well-being5.
Understanding diverse patient experiences is crucial for developing holistic treatments that address the complex needs of epilepsy patients9.
Comprehensive Care
A team approach to epilepsy care, integrating various specialties, provides patients with complete care and multiple treatment options1.
Epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) offer specialized diagnosis and treatment planning, allowing for extensive workup and access to advanced interventions1.
Managing epilepsy involves addressing comorbidities and carefully balancing seizure control with potential side effects of treatments3.
Patient Empowerment
Patients should be encouraged to speak up about side effects and ineffective medications, and seek specialized care when needed1.
Extended medical interventions, like EEGs, provide opportunities for patients to learn about managing their condition from expert practitioners5.
Involving patients in research and treatment decisions can enhance their sense of purpose and value5.
Societal Impact
New approaches to evaluating healthcare innovations, such as the Center for Pharmacoeconomics, consider broader societal impacts of epilepsy treatments4.
Epilepsy care should address productivity, caregiver burden, and long-term financial implications for patients and society4.
Representation and inclusion of diverse patient experiences are crucial for developing effective epilepsy treatments and care strategies9.
Sources:
1. https://www.bswhealth.com/blog/5-ways-to-take-charge-of-your-epilepsy-care-and-prevent-seizures
3. https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2024-dec/empowering-epilepsy-care-opportunities-for-neurologists-and-pediatricians-in-managing-rare-epilepsy-syndromes-1
4. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/leerink-center-pharmacoeconomics-evaluates-informs-true-value-healthcare-innovations
5. https://comartsci.msu.edu/about/newsroom/news/marathe-therapeutic-value-extended-eeg-epilepsy-patients
9. https://www.ucb-usa.com/stories-media/UCB-U-S-News/detail/article/beyond-diagnosis-embracing-humanity-behind-epilepsy-care