National Epilepsy Awareness Month – How Telehealth Transforms Care
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness around the brain disorder and support those affected by it. Epilepsy causes recurring, unprovoked seizures and affects nearly 3.4 million people in the U.S. Although no cure exists yet, treatments can help to control these seizures for more than two-thirds of people with epilepsy, and preventive care is essential. In addition to specialized treatment plans and medications, telehealth is an extremely vital tool in managing epilepsy.
Despite the disorder’s commonality, many people with epilepsy do not have access to local epileptologists or epilepsy centers, making it challenging to receive the care they need. This difficulty in access to expert care is exacerbated by the unwarranted, unpredictable seizures they can experience, which can make them unable to have a driver’s license or travel without a companion. Telehealth allows people with epilepsy to choose from a wider net of specialists, without having to worry about traveling long distances.
There are many different types of seizures and varying levels of seizure control. Telehealth has been transformative for people with epilepsy who are recovering from seizures, or who are especially prone to uncontrolled seizures, allowing them to receive the care they need from the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth enables people who are fearful of the unpredictability of their disease to connect with their physicians in a controlled, comfortable environment.
A recent study of 590 epilepsy patients found no significant differences in seizure outcomes, emergency room visits, medication changes, or discussions about surgery between telehealth and traditional appointments, supporting telehealth as a comparable alternative to in-person visits. Further, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard found that telehealth supported “measurable and high-quality epilepsy care during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, patients continue to rely on telehealth care for day-to-day management of epilepsy and numerous other chronic conditions.
Unfortunately, the access to telehealth services that people with epilepsy and millions of other Americans with other unique healthcare needs rely on is at a risk. In less than 50 days, the Medicare telehealth flexibilities originally introduced during the pandemic will expire unless Congress takes swift action to protect these vital flexibilities. We urge lawmakers to recognize the importance of and reliance upon telehealth care options, and permanently safeguard virtual care.
ABOUT TELEHEALTH ACCESS FOR AMERICA
Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services.
Learn more at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.
ABOUT THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
The Epilepsy Foundation of America is a member of Telehealth Access for America, and works with the coalition to advocate for telehealth. The Epilepsy Foundation of America is the leading national voluntary health organization that speaks on behalf of the nearly 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy and seizures. The mission of the Foundation is to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. Learn more at www.epilepsy.com.