U.S. News & World Report Webinar on Pediatric Epilepsy Features Taylor Abel, MD
June 26, 2024
Taylor Abel, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and chief of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery, was a featured speaker in a recent webinar from U.S. News & World Report on “New Treatment Options Open Up for Young People With Epilepsy.”
The webinar, held on May 17, 2024, featured a panel of four pediatric epilepsy experts, including Dr. Abel, discussing the current landscape of treatment options and other important considerations for pediatric epilepsy patients.
The webinar is currently archived and available to watch on the U.S. News website.
Summary of Dr. Abel’s Remarks
Dr. Abel emphasized the critical importance of identifying the underlying causes of epilepsy in patients to prescribe the most effective treatments.
“Understanding the etiology, which can include structural changes, genetic factors, and infections, is essential not only for comprehending the natural history of epilepsy but also for determining the most appropriate treatment options for each patient," says Dr. Abel.
Dr. Abel also spoke to the necessity of achieving an early diagnosis and intervention in cases of pediatric epilepsy to mitigate the potential negative impacts on brain development and cognition, control seizures, and enhance the overall quality of life and developmental outcomes.
He also discussed the current underutilization of epilepsy surgery, driven mainly by a lack of awareness about its indications. Dr. Abel recommended thorough evaluations to ensure patients are considered for all suitable treatment options.
Dr. Abel also stressed the importance of increasing awareness among health care providers and families regarding the potential benefits of epilepsy surgery. He also noted the role that trust plays in the patient-family-provider relationship, in that it is crucial for facilitating informed decision-making and helping to guide families toward potentially effective treatment options.
Additionally, Dr. Abel commented on the significance of a robust and multidisciplinary health care team in achieving optimal patient outcomes.
“A collaborative approach enhances the quality of care and improves outcomes for patients with epilepsy," says Dr. Abel.
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