Why We Do This

According to the World Health Organization, socially-based health inequalities are largely unjust and avoidable. We believe that this is particularly true when it comes to neurological disorders. 

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In the past, it has been shown that people with epilepsy and other neurological conditions are vulnerable to suffering from inequitable social outcomes in the following forms: 

• Lower education levels

• Fewer employment opportunities

• Lower household income 

• Decreased overall health

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In addition to the above disparities applying to the broad population of people living with epilepsy, racial and ethnic disparities have also been well-documented. Specifically, race and ethnicity are associated with higher rates of acute care, higher rates of death, and fewer advanced treatments. A lack of information about wellness and/or a mistrust of the medical treatments available for epilepsy are thought to be contributors to this health disparity. 

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Broadly, psychosocial factors related to poor outcomes within the community include the following: 

• Self-perceptions and sense of control

• Internalized stigma and experiences of discrimination 

• Social connections and social support

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Obtaining supportive care addressing the above causes of poor health outcomes among those living with epilepsy or other neurological conditions leads to improved overall functioning and improved quality of life. 

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We at Epilepsy Wellness help eliminate outcome disparities by providing evidence-based wellness education, helping our clients to improve communication and health literacy, providing techniques to improve self-management, and engaging in programming as advocates for health equity.