Barriers Delay Access to Epilepsy Surgery in Latin America

Source: Neurosurgical review

Summary

Researchers studied the barriers to accessing epilepsy surgery in Latin America, focusing on how social and economic factors affect care. They reviewed ten studies that included data from countries like Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. The studies looked at the characteristics of patients, the types of epilepsy they had, and the outcomes of the surgeries performed.

The findings showed that many people with drug-resistant epilepsy are not getting the surgery they need, even though it can be very effective. On average, patients waited over 17 years from their diagnosis to having surgery. While a significant number of patients who did have surgery experienced improvements in their seizures and quality of life, only a small percentage of those who could benefit from surgery actually received it. Barriers included the location of specialized centers, financial issues, and cultural attitudes towards epilepsy.

This research highlights the need for better access to epilepsy surgery in Latin America. It shows that despite the potential benefits of surgery, many patients face significant delays and obstacles. Addressing these issues is important for improving care and outcomes for people with epilepsy. However, the study is limited to a small number of studies and may not represent all regions or populations in Latin America.

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