Epilepsy and the Hispanic Community
Access resources, receive support, and manage epilepsy in your language.
Statistics on Hispanics and Epilepsy
- In the United States, approximately 710,000 Hispanics live with epilepsy.
- Each year, more than 150,000 new cases are diagnosed.
- 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.
(Source: La epilepsia | Epilepsy Foundation)
Barriers Specific to Hispanic Communities
Recent surveys highlight cultural, financial, and language barriers that impact epilepsy care for Hispanic patients:
- Lower use of newer anti-seizure medicines
- Fewer admissions to Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMU)
- Language and cultural differences affecting communication with providers
(Source: Barriers to Epilepsy Care: A Survey of Hispanic Patients)
Pediatric Outcomes
A multi-center study found Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a reduced likelihood of seizure control/remission in children with epilepsy.
(Source: Disparities in Pediatric Epilepsy Remission Are Associated With Race and Ethnicity – PubMed)
Spanish Learning Portal – Resources for Patients
The Epilepsy Foundation’s Spanish-language learning portal offers culturally relevant courses on seizures and epilepsy, fully adapted into Spanish for accessibility and clarity. All courses are completely free, include certificates of completion, and provide technical support in Spanish. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, these resources help you learn, access care, and connect with the community. New courses are published regularly, so check back often to explore the latest content.
