Study Reveals Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Seizure ED Visits

A recent study published on July 5, 2025, in the journal Epilepsia highlights significant racial and socioeconomic disparities that lead to frequent emergency department (ED) visits for seizures. Conducted by Dr. Brad K. Kamitaki and colleagues from Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, this retrospective cohort study examined the records of 200,962 adult patients presenting to EDs across four U.S. states with a primary diagnosis of seizure or epilepsy.

The findings underscore that individuals lacking private insurance or those covered by public health programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, exhibited higher odds of frequent ED visits compared to their privately insured counterparts. Specifically, the study reported adjusted odds ratios of 1.90 for Medicare recipients, 2.01 for Medicaid recipients, and 1.55 for uninsured individuals.

Additionally, the research revealed a stark racial disparity: Black patients were presented with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.60 for frequent ED visits when compared to white patients. However, this disparity somewhat diminished for Black patients with Medicare and Medicaid coverage relative to those with private insurance. Other racial and ethnic groups did not demonstrate similarly heightened rates of emergency department utilization.

Further analysis indicated that socioeconomic factors played a critical role in these disparities. Patients residing in low-income zip codes (0 to 25th percentile of median household income) were more likely to experience high ED visit rates, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.65 when compared to individuals from the highest income quartile.

The authors of the study emphasize that addressing these deeply entrenched factors—such as poverty, healthcare costs, and systemic racism—requires comprehensive, multisectoral approaches that extend beyond the healthcare system. Dr. Kamitaki and his team advocate for clinicians and researchers to actively engage in policy advocacy and resource provision to mitigate these systemic challenges. They suggest that healthcare providers can play a crucial role in promoting equitable healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized populations.

In conclusion, while the study sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change to address the racial and socioeconomic barriers leading to frequent emergency care for seizures, it also calls for targeted interventions and policy reforms to improve health equity. As disparities in healthcare access continue to be a pressing issue, the findings underscore the importance of advocacy and action to foster a more equitable healthcare system for all individuals, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.