Survey estimates that many with epilepsy are not on medication and not seeing a specialist
We are concerned after reading data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released last week. According to their 19-state survey, an estimated one in six adults who have active epilepsy with recent seizures are not on medication, and more than one third of them are not seeing a specialist. Of the adults who were not taking medication, two thirds said that they had more than one seizure during the prior month.
A follow up study is planned to help understand why this is happening. In the meantime, we suspect that much of this is due to affordability and access. Unfortunately, people with epilepsy who do not have access to high quality care might not be enjoying any type of quality of life. Their daily activities may be affected, including not being able to drive. This prevents them from getting a job, and the cycle seemingly never ends.
If you are suffering from seizures and are not taking medication or seeing specialists, we urge you to look into resources in your area to get help. More information can be found on the Epilepsy Foundation’s Web site.
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