Advancing Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Epilepsy in Bolivia
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, estimated to affect one out of every 26 people in their lifetime. Nevertheless, diagnosing and treating epilepsy can be quite complex. In a 2019 report, the World Health Organization found that three-quarters of people living with epilepsy in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need, increasing their risk of dying prematurely and condemning many to a life of disability and stigma.
“This treatment gap for epilepsy is unacceptably high, when we know that 70% of people with the condition can be seizure-free when they have access to medicines,” according to Dr. Tarun Dua of the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Mission team and partner Bolivian physicians review patient scans at the Hospital de Niños.
This week, our Neurosurgery and Neurology Institute (NNI) has the opportunity to contribute to bridging this treatment gap at the invitation of colleagues at the Hospital de Niños in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Art DiPatri and pediatric neurologist Dr. Rebecca Garcia, both of Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, are working side-by-side with their Bolivian colleagues, neurologists Dr. Victor Cuéllar, Dr. Shirley Martinez, and Dr. Giovanna Flores, and neurosurgeons Dr. José Cuiza and Dr. Felix Pacheco. The dedicated team at the Hospital de Niños is committed to improving their skills in epilepsy management. Lead neurologist Dr. Victor Cuéllar, a long-time partner with Solidarity Bridge, estimates that over 40% of the children he sees in his practice have some form of epilepsy. His team has been strengthened by the recent addition of Dr. Giovanna Flores who completed epileptology training in Argentina.
This combined group of U.S. and Bolivian doctors spent the past seven months preparing for this week’s encounter through monthly case discussions over Zoom. During those virtual gatherings, they worked together to locate the source of seizures in each patient discussed, and planned a course of medical or surgical action. The majority of epilepsy patients can control their seizures with medication, but roughly 30% of cases are drug-resistant. To address the different needs of patients, Dr. Rebecca Garcia is accompanying the local neurologists in the clinical review of pediatric patients, while Dr. DiPatri collaborates with the Bolivian neurosurgeons in surgical options for those with medically intractable epilepsy.
We are honored to collaborate with the Hospital de Niños on this initiative. Untreated epilepsy can be devastating for patients and their families. And while it is common across the globe, the incidence and prevalence of the disease is much higher in low-income countries, making epilepsy treatment an important global health priority. Together, we are building pathways to a brighter and healthier future for each of the children to be treated this week, and for all those seeking epilepsy care at the Hospital de Niños going forward. Look for more trip updates in the coming days!
Through partnerships and collaborative actions that are measurable and sustainable, the Neurosurgery and Neurology Institute works to build capacity and expertise in Bolivia and Paraguay in order to increase access to safe, affordable and timely health care.
We are committed to alleviating the suffering, death and disability from neurological disorders and injuries that disproportionately impact patients in the countries where we serve.