Gabapentinoid Use among Medicare Beneficiaries during the Post-Stroke Recovery Period.

Background: Most studies of gabapentinoid prescribing trends have focused on younger, commercially insured populations. Patterns among vulnerable groups, including older stroke survivors, remain poorly characterized. We described patterns of gabapentinoid initiation among Medicare beneficiaries following acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Choice of antiseizure medications and associated outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries after acute ischemic stroke.

Objective: We examined choice of outpatient epilepsy-specific antiseizure medication (ESM) after a stroke discharge and outcomes in a sample of US older adults.

Methods: In this matched cohort study, we analyzed a 20% sample of US Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) between 2009 and 2021 who were discharged home. Individuals met insurance coverage criteria and were not taking ESM before hospitalization.

Benzodiazepine Initiation Effect on Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries Post-Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Purpose: Despite guideline warnings and concerns for increased mortality, acute ischemic stroke (AIS) survivors older than 66 years of age still receive benzodiazepines (BZDs). We examined the BZD-associated effect on mortality within 30 days post-discharge on survival among older Medicare beneficiaries after an AIS.

Methods: We analyzed a sample of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled for at least 12 months before hospitalization for AIS.

Differences in patterns of outpatient epilepsy-specific medication initiation after acute ischemic stroke in the Medicare population.

Objective: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading hospitalization cause and significantly contributes to seizures among older adults. We examined outpatient epilepsy-specific medication (ESM) initiation patterns after AIS discharge in adults 65 years and older, trends over time (by stratifying the analysis from 2013 to 2021), and racial/ethnic differences.

Methods: We analyzed nationwide administrative claims data for a 20% sample of US Medicare beneficiaries (enrolled in Traditional Medicare Parts A, B, and D for at least 12 months before admission) aged ≥65 years and hospitalized for AIS between 2013 and 2021.

Choice of Epilepsy Anti-Seizure Medications and Associated Outcomes in Medicare Beneficiaries.

Background: The lack of specific guidelines for seizure treatment after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), makes the choice of an appropriate anti-seizure medication choice a challenge for providers because each drug may have different adverse effects and outcomes.

Methods: In this retrospective matched cohort study, we analyzed a 20% sample of U.S.

Barriers to Medication Adherence in People Living With Epilepsy.

Background And Objectives: Epilepsy affects approximately 1.2% of the US population, resulting in 3.4 million Americans with active epilepsy.

Health Disparities Among Sexual and Gender Minority People Living With Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background And Objectives: Visibility of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people has been steadily increasing over the recent years; however, little is known about the distinct seizure and mental health characteristics among SGM people with epilepsy. In this study, we describe these characteristics among SGM subgroups.

Methods: Data on demographics, seizure metrics, mental health, and quality of life were collected using patient-reported questionnaires gathered at first epilepsy clinic visits as part of routine clinical care from January 2019 to September 2023 at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Benzodiazepine Initiation Effect on Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries Post Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Rationale: Despite guideline warnings, older acute ischemic stroke (AIS) survivors still receive benzodiazepines (BZD) for agitation, insomnia, and anxiety despite being linked to severe adverse effects, such as excessive somnolence and respiratory depression. Due to polypharmacy, drug metabolism, comorbidities, and complications during the sub-acute post-stroke period, older adults are more susceptible to these adverse effects. We examined the impact of receiving BZDs within 30 days post-discharge on survival among older Medicare beneficiaries after an AIS.