WASHINGTON – A modern white paper released today by the Clinical Neurological Society of America (CNSA) calls for urgent improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting approximately one in 26 people in the United States. The report highlights the significant burden of the disease, citing frequent misdiagnosis and delayed treatment as critical concerns.
The CNSA’s Clinical Proceedings paper, titled “The Impact & Unmet Needs of Epilepsy & the Value of Epilepsy Monitoring Units,” emphasizes the require for expanded access to epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs). These specialized hospital units allow neurologists to observe and record seizure activity, providing crucial data for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. According to the report, EMUs represent the “gold standard” for diagnosing complex epilepsy cases, particularly those unresponsive to medication or where the nature of the events is uncertain.
“Accurate diagnosis through EMUs can change the trajectory of epilepsy care – reducing unnecessary treatments, improving seizure control and ultimately saving lives,” stated Dr. Daniel Friedman, chair of the expert panel that authored the paper. The panel also included Dr. Gregory K. Bergey, Tanya Kehoe, PA-C, OTR/L, Dr. Mohamad Koubeissi, and Dr. John Stern.
The report identifies several key areas for improvement, including increasing recognition of epilepsy symptoms – which can be intermittent or non-motor – among healthcare providers, and reducing barriers to accessing specialized epilepsy care. Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy face a heightened risk of injury, disability, mental health issues, and premature death, underscoring the urgency of these recommendations.
Founded in 1974, the Clinical Neurological Society of America is a national organization dedicated to improving clinical practice and patient care through education and thought leadership, according to information on the organization’s website. The CNSA serves neurologists and other healthcare professionals in both clinical and academic settings.
The American Epilepsy Society also develops evidence-based clinical guidance for epilepsy diagnosis and treatment, offering resources to neurologists and the broader care team, according to their website.
