Barriers to delivering optimal care in epilepsy surgery candidates during transition of care: a short case series

Abstract

Transition of care is becoming an increasingly discussed topic and is a necessary process that all young adults requiring medical care should undergo. The lack of transition of care in epilepsy can often lead to poor outcomes for young adults. Youths with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) requiring surgical intervention often face a more difficult transition and clinicians have more complexities to consider. Here we present four unique cases of surgical candidates undergoing transition of care, and highlight common issues encountered by young adults and pediatric and adult clinicians during this time. Cases 1 to 3 focus on young adults transitioning care after completion of surgical intervention, in the middle of a surgical workup, and before the consideration of surgical interventions, respectively. These cases examine how transition of care can affect treatment options and outcome. Case 4 highlights the impact considering surgical intervention can have on the transition process. Each case presents unique challenges facing young adults and their epilepsy surgical team. By highlighting barriers to care, changes can be made to facilitate better epilepsy management.