Optimising Epilepsy management in women from CALD background

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures. A seizure is a temporary disruption in the brain’s electrical activity that can cause changes in behaviour, sensation, movement or awareness. Epilepsy affects approximately 150,000 Australians. Women with epilepsy face unique challenges due to hormonal influences, pregnancy risks, and social stigma. My research focuses on understanding and improving epilepsy care for women from migrant and disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly within the Monash Health catchment area, home to approximately 1.8 million people. Using national hospital admission data and seizure mapping tools, our group has identified regional variations in epilepsy-related hospital admissions. It is higher in Casey and Cardinia in the outer South-East of Melbourne and is twice that of inner East Melbourne local government areas such as Boroondarah or Stonnington. The aim of this project is to identify barriers to prompt diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, particularly for women with linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic challenges.