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Epilepsy Foundation updates committee on school nurse training, vaping-linked seizures and treatment access
Summary
The Epilepsy Foundation's regional program director reported school nurse trainings, community events and concerns about seizures potentially linked to vaping; she highlighted education efforts and noted reimbursements for a VNS device do not cover device costs.
Bridget Patterson, program director for the Epilepsy Foundation (Missouri, Kansas), briefed the committee on outreach in Arkansas, including school nurse workshops that reached more than 427 school nurses and local Epilepsy Connect programs. Patterson described the foundation's collaborations with medical centers and industry partners and invited legislators to an education event on cannabinoids.
Patterson raised concerns about youth vaping and seizures, citing federal investigations: "The FDA is investigating a hundred and 27 seizures, reported potentially linked to vaping," she said and cited CDC data showing a rise in e-cigarette use among middle- and high-school students between 2017 and 2018. She urged expanded seizure education and first-aid knowledge for young people and school staff.
On treatments, Patterson explained the VNS device and said the Foundation sees access and reimbursement challenges: "Arkansas DHS reimburses all acute hospitals only $363 per case when that VNS device costs are just north of $40," she said. Patterson urged continued outreach and education to reduce harms and improve care for people with seizures.
Why it matters: The presentation connected school-based education with emerging public-health concerns about vaping and seizures and raised questions about reimbursement and access for advanced therapies.
Next steps: The committee received the report and no formal action was recorded; Patterson offered to return with updates or further data.
