Health Disparities and Barriers in Epilepsy Care Across Wisconsin
by Claire Choi, 2028 PharmD Candidate, Nourhan El-Sanjak, 2027 PharmD Candidate, Barry Gidal, PharmD, Tenzin Kunsel, 2026 PharmD Candidate, Van Anh Nguyen Le, 2028 PharmD Candidate, Hannah Grace Pitterle, 2028 PharmD Candidate, Pahoua Yang, 2026 PharmD Candidate, Lisa Imhoff, MSSW
Epilepsy is a neurological characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The prevalence is approximately 1-3% of the population in North America. The etiology of epilepsy is quite varied. For infants and young children, common causes include genetics, traumatic brain injuries, and infections of the central nervous system. Beyond this age group, epilepsy in adults is noted by head injuries and brain tumors, while in older adults, it is frequently marked by cardiovascular disease and associated disorders, as well as cerebrovascular disease, including both embolic and hemorrhagic stroke. Significant advancements in neurobiology and genetics have led to a more comprehensive understanding of epilepsy, and consequently, the development of new generations of antiseizure medications (ASMs) with improved pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer cognitive and metabolic adverse effects. Beyond ASMs, refinements in surgical techniques, as well as implantable devices such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Responsive Neurostimulation Systems (RNS), have also led to new options for The Journal May/June 2026 patients with medically intractable epilepsy. Despite these advancements, approximately 30-40% of patients will not achieve optimal seizure control.
Download PDF
2026 May/June Table of Contents
Epilepsy is a neurological characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The prevalence is approximately 1-3% of the population in North America. The etiology of epilepsy is quite varied. For infants and young children, common causes include genetics, traumatic brain injuries, and infections of the central nervous system. Beyond this age group, epilepsy in adults is noted by head injuries and brain tumors, while in older adults, it is frequently marked by cardiovascular disease and associated disorders, as well as cerebrovascular disease, including both embolic and hemorrhagic stroke. Significant advancements in neurobiology and genetics have led to a more comprehensive understanding of epilepsy, and consequently, the development of new generations of antiseizure medications (ASMs) with improved pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer cognitive and metabolic adverse effects. Beyond ASMs, refinements in surgical techniques, as well as implantable devices such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Responsive Neurostimulation Systems (RNS), have also led to new options for The Journal May/June 2026 patients with medically intractable epilepsy. Despite these advancements, approximately 30-40% of patients will not achieve optimal seizure control.
Download PDF
2026 May/June Table of Contents