Global Health and Epilepsy: Update and Future Directions

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewEfforts to improve epilepsy care outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are occurring through global health work. Despite an increase in these efforts, several barriers exist and a significant epilepsy treatment gap remains. This paper will review barriers to epilepsy care in LMICs and summarize recent published and unpublished data about global health projects which aimed to improve epilepsy care in these regions, focusing on work in the past 5\xa0years.Recent FindingsThere are multiple recent and ongoing projects including clinical, research, education, and advocacy programs.SummaryWe conclude that collaborative efforts are necessary in order to develop long-term and sustainable projects. The creation of a database and a formal method of communication between stakeholders can contribute to improving the efficiency and impact of global health efforts in epilepsy.