top of page

Analysis of G-Med Physician Posts and Comments on the Topic of Epilepsy

Topics/keywords: ‘epilepsy’

Data types: posts, comments, likes, polls

Geographical segment: global physicians, physicians by region

Analyzed data points: 4,625

Specialties: Neurology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine

Countries analyzed: 59

Reach: 145,709

Introduction

This report presents a detailed analysis of physicians' discussions on the topic of epilepsy, based on data collected from the G-Med platform. The report explores the primary concerns and opinions expressed by physicians regarding epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and care. Key insights have been gathered through sentiment analysis and statistical evaluation of the topics discussed, highlighting geographical differences and trends in medical approaches. A keyword-based approach identified recurring concerns, and statistics were likewise compiled from post interactions (views, comments, and likes). Contrasting opinions on various concerns (e.g., in favor vs. against) were quantified and presented as percentages.

The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges, innovations, and regional preferences of G-Med physicians in regards to epilepsy, shedding light on the sentiments and strategies favored by medical professionals.

Main Concerns of G-Med Physicians on the Topic of Epilepsy

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png

Seizure Management (27% of physician discussions): Physicians focus on reducing seizure frequency and disease burden. The discussions highlight the different seizure types, including tonic-clonic, focal, and absence seizures. Physicians also discuss concerns regarding minimizing status epilepticus cases and aftereffects.

  • 40% of physicians focus on lifestyle factors as potential triggers that should be managed for better seizure control.

Diagnostic Challenges (23%): Accurately diagnosing epilepsy remains a challenge, with many physicians citing the limitations of EEG and MRI as primary concerns.

  • 55% of physicians highlight difficulties in differentiating epilepsy from other conditions,leading to concerns about misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.

  • 45% of physicians discuss the need for improved diagnostic tools in order to avoid delays in treatment initiation.

Psychosocial Impact (21%): The psychological and social burden of epilepsy is a major concern, particularly in pediatric and adolescent populations. Physicians discuss the importance of addressing mental health struggles and reducing stigma.

Psychosocial impact by age group:

  • Pediatric psychosocial concerns:

    • Challenges in school performance, social stigma, and parental anxiety.

    • Discussions on family and caregiver education for better patient support.

    • Physician concerns over bullying and social isolation in children with epilepsy.

  • Adult psychosocial concerns:

    • Discussions on  employment challenges, driving restrictions, and legal limitations.

    • Depression and anxiety management are key topics among adult epilepsy patients.

    • Concerns about reduced independence and social withdrawal.

Medication Challenges (14%): The discussions around medication focus on antiepileptic drug (AED) resistance, side effects, and long-term patient adherence. While AEDs are the primary treatment, physicians express concern about their limitations.

  • 47% of physicians discuss concerns over adverse side effects, particularly cognitive impairment, fatigue, mood changes (anxiety and depression), weight fluctuations, gastrointestinal issues, bone density loss, and liver toxicity. These effects impact daily functioning, medication adherence, and long-term patient health.

  • 53% of physicians  highlight the difficulty of managing drug-resistant epilepsy, exploring  combination therapy, surgical interventions (VNS, DBS), and  non-pharmacological approaches (ketogenic diets, neurostimulation) as  alternative solutions.

Treatment Adherence (5%): Patient compliance with treatment is a recurring challenge, particularly with long-term AED therapy. Physicians discuss strategies to improve adherence.

  • 60% of physicians identify non-compliance as a key reason for uncontrolled epilepsy.

  • 40% of physicians propose educational initiatives, digital reminders, simplified medication regimens, and caregiver involvement to improve adherence.

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png

Key Points on Epilepsy Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png

Diagnosis (29% of physician discussions)

  • Emerging diagnostic tools: Some physicians advocate for advanced imaging techniques such as EEG and MRI to improve diagnostic accuracy.

  • Delays in diagnosis: Discussions highlight the importance of early detection and differential diagnosis to avoid treatment delays.

  • Diagnosis differences by age group:

Pediatric diagnosis:

  • Differentiating epilepsy from febrile seizures and neurodevelopmental disorders is a significant challenge.

  • Keeping a high index of suspicion and genetic testing are frequently discussed for early detection.

Adult diagnosis:

  • Focus on seizures in adults as potential symptoms of tumors or neurological disorders such as cerebrovascular disease.

  • Challenges in seizure control in older adults with multiple comorbidities.

Treatment (32% of physician discussions)

  • AEDs and drug resistance: Physicians discuss the side effects of AED therapy, including growing concerns over treatment resistance.

  • Surgical and alternative treatments: There is increasing interest in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and ketogenic diets as adjunct therapies.

  • Treatment differences by age group:

Pediatric treatment:

  • Concerns over AED side effects in children and the need for frequent check-ups.

  • Need for caregiver education on proper medication administration.

  • Discussions on alternative therapies like ketogenic diets for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Adult treatment:

  • Stronger emphasis on  surgical interventions (VNS, DBS) for drug-resistant epilepsy.

  • Polypharmacy concerns in elderly patients with comorbidities.

  • Discussions about treatment adjustments based on aging-related changes in drug metabolism.

Follow-up (7% of physician discussions)

  • Continuous monitoring: Physicians stress the need for regular patient follow-up to optimize treatment.

  • Quality of life considerations: Some physicians focus on the benefit of a  multidisciplinary approach, integrating psychological interventions, dietitians, and lifestyle changes.

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png

Geographical Differences in Physicians’ Epilepsy Concerns by Country

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png

Of the 59 countries analyzed, the following topics were discussed in prominent countries:

  • United States & Canada: Physicians focus on advanced diagnostics and surgical interventions      for drug-resistant epilepsy.

  • United Kingdom & Germany: Discussions emphasize mental health support and quality of life      improvements for epilepsy patients.

  • France & Spain: Physicians discuss      alternative treatment approaches, including dietary interventions and      lifestyle modifications.

  • Brazil & Mexico: Accessibility issues in diagnostics and treatment are a major concern, especially in rural areas.

  • India & China: Physicians highlight the growing prevalence of epilepsy but emphasize limited access to specialized care.

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png

Engagement Recommendations:

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png
  • As can be seen from  the report, there are some knowledge gaps on the topic of epilepsy, especially surrounding diagnosis and long-term management. An awareness campaign could be beneficial in this case, as well as a traffic-driving campaign in cases where there is a brand dot com.

  • G-Med's Awareness Package or Traffic-Driving Package could be a good fit here.

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png

Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png
Screenshot 2024-09-26 104230.png
bottom of page