EPI Talks: Seen, Heard, and Cared For: Where Epilepsy Meets Identity | Building Affirming Spaces and Open Doors for all in the Epilepsy Clinic-EPI Talks Heard, Seen, and Cared for

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar explored how epilepsy care can better support transgender and gender-diverse people. Dr. Sasha Alec Lindstrom discussed the distinct clinical, pharmacologic, and psychosocial considerations involved, emphasizing respectful use of patients’ names and pronouns, individualized goals, and inclusive documentation and clinic practices.<br /><br />The presentation highlighted how stigma, discrimination, economic insecurity, and prior negative healthcare experiences can undermine trust, medication adherence, and seizure control. It also reviewed potential interactions between gender-affirming hormone therapy and antiseizure medications, including the need to monitor hormone levels and seizure treatment closely. Gender-affirming care is individualized, and epilepsy alone is not an absolute contraindication to hormonal or surgical care; planning should account for comorbidities, medication effects, and patients’ priorities.<br /><br />In a clinical case discussion, speakers recommended acknowledging past harm, rebuilding trust, assessing medication access and mental health, and connecting the patient with social work and affirming specialists. They emphasized coordinating epilepsy and gender-affirming procedures with the patient and multidisciplinary care team. The webinar concluded with practical steps for creating welcoming, patient-centered services and using reliable resources to support equitable care.

Keywords

epilepsy care

transgender health

gender-diverse patients

gender-affirming care

antiseizure medications

hormone therapy

healthcare discrimination

inclusive clinical practices

patient-centered care