Clinical Differences in Newly Diagnosed Spanish-Speaking Pediatric Epilepsy Patients: A Single-Center Examination

BackgroundEpilepsy is a common pediatric diagnosis, and recent national and international efforts aim to improve care for neurologic conditions. This study examined initial clinical differences between English- and Spanish-speaking pediatric epilepsy patients.MethodsWe used single-center retrospective analysis of pediatric English- and Spanish-speaking patients with epilepsy. Demographic information was recorded. Initial encounters and subsequent care for the first 6 months were reviewed. Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Fisher exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used.ResultsA total of 118 English-speaking and 112 Spanish-speaking patients met the inclusion criteria. Epilepsy classification, presenting seizure type, initial encounter location, medications prescribed, and subjective seizure improvement rates did not differ between language cohorts. Differences between language cohorts were seen in communication rates and medication trials. Some differences were found depending on race within Spanish-speaking populations.ConclusionDespite many similarities in care, institutional processes-specifically our triage differences for English- and Spanish-speaking patients-may explain differences in contact rates and medications trials with similar rates of seizure improvement. The intersection of race within Spanish-speaking patients with epilepsy should be explored further.