AES DEI Committee On Demand Webinar Series: Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Epilepsy Care: Practical Approach-AES DEI Committee On Demand Webinar: Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Epilepsy Care: Practical Approach

AES DEI Committee On Demand Webinar: Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Epilepsy Care: Practical Approach

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The second AES webinar on social determinants of health (SDOH) in epilepsy focused on applying an SDOH lens to clinical care. Presenters emphasized that epilepsy management extends beyond seizure control: social and economic conditions can interact, affecting access, treatment adherence, safety, development, and quality of life. Screening may be formal, using standardized tools, or informal and conversational; either approach can identify needs and guide support.<br /><br />Three cases illustrated these interactions. A child living on a rural reservation faced long travel distances, limited specialist and school services, unreliable internet, caregiver strain, and the effects of early trauma. A young woman with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and intellectual disability experienced housing and financial instability, medication access problems, and challenges transitioning to adult services. A rural adult with epilepsy faced costly transportation and care, but used family support, self-advocacy, and community resources to access treatment.<br /><br />Across the cases, presenters highlighted practical responses: coordinate with primary care, schools, social workers, and community agencies; adapt appointments and medication plans to families’ circumstances; support access to therapies, housing, transportation, and adult services; and use trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. They stressed that missed visits or medication gaps may reflect systemic barriers rather than lack of concern. Caregiver well-being and social support should also be assessed, and clinicians should attend to their own well-being.<br /><br />The webinar encouraged teams to begin SDOH screening, build connections to community resources, and use multidisciplinary collaboration to provide feasible, compassionate care.

Keywords

epilepsy

social determinants of health

SDOH

clinical care

seizure management

screening tools

health disparities

caregiver support

multidisciplinary collaboration

community resources