A study published in the June 2026 issue of Neurology® reveals that individuals with epilepsy residing in rural counties experience significantly worse health outcomes than those in urban settings. The research, led by Edward R. Bader, MBChB, from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, analyzed data from 841,445 adult hospital admissions for epilepsy in the United States. Findings indicate that patients from rural areas had nearly double the odds of dying in the hospital, with 1.6% mortality compared to 1.0% in urban areas. Additionally, rural patients were 32% more likely to arrive at the hospital in status epilepticus and faced longer hospital stays. The study also highlighted disparities in access to diagnostic tests, as rural patients were 12% less likely to receive an electroencephalogram (EEG) and 10% less likely to be discharged to rehabilitation facilities. While the study did not establish causation, it emphasizes the critical need for enhanced epilepsy care access in rural regions, potentially through expanded telehealth services.