Epilepsy

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You've experienced a seizure for the first time, even if it was isolated.
You're concerned about possible seizure symptoms, such as temporary confusion, blank staring spells, or unusual muscle movements.
Your seizures are not well-controlled with your current medication.
You experience an increase in seizure frequency or severity.
You suspect you may have new seizure triggers.
You're experiencing side effects from your epilepsy medication.
You're planning to become pregnant or are pregnant and have epilepsy.
You are currently having a seizure. (Call emergency services if it's your first seizure or it doesn't stop after 5 minutes)
You have a seizure and injure yourself.
You experience multiple seizures in a row (status epilepticus).
You have a fever and seizure (especially in children).
You have a seizure and are pregnant or have another medical condition like diabetes or heart disease.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You've experienced a seizure for the first time, even if it was isolated.
You're concerned about possible seizure symptoms, such as temporary confusion, blank staring spells, or unusual muscle movements.
Your seizures are not well-controlled with your current medication.
You experience an increase in seizure frequency or severity.
You suspect you may have new seizure triggers.
You're experiencing side effects from your epilepsy medication.
You're planning to become pregnant or are pregnant and have epilepsy.
You are currently having a seizure. (Call emergency services if it's your first seizure or it doesn't stop after 5 minutes)
You have a seizure and injure yourself.
You experience multiple seizures in a row (status epilepticus).
You have a fever and seizure (especially in children).
You have a seizure and are pregnant or have another medical condition like diabetes or heart disease.

Do’s:

See a doctor: If you experience a seizure for the first time, book an appointment with a neurologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Take medication as prescribed: Don't skip or alter your medication doses without consulting your doctor. Consistent medication is crucial for seizure control.
Identify and avoid triggers: Work with your doctor to identify potential seizure triggers like sleep deprivation, stress, or flashing lights. Once identified, try to avoid these triggers or plan for them.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These habits can improve your overall health and potentially reduce seizure frequency.
Manage stress: Stress can be a trigger for seizures. Explore relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage stress effectively.
Educate those around you: Inform family, friends, teachers, or colleagues about your epilepsy and what to do if you have a seizure.
Wear a medical ID bracelet: This can alert medical personnel of your condition in case of an emergency.

Don'ts:

Drink alcohol or use recreational drugs: These substances can lower seizure thresholds and increase seizure risk.
Take over-the-counter medications without consulting your doctor: Some medications can interact with epilepsy drugs or lower seizure thresholds.
Ignore warning signs: If you feel an aura (a warning sensation before a seizure), take steps to avoid injury and find a safe place.
Isolate yourself: Epilepsy doesn't have to hold you back. Continue activities you enjoy, but prioritise safety and let someone know if you're concerned.
Drive if you have uncontrolled seizures: Driving is unsafe if your seizures are not well-managed. Talk to your doctor about driving restrictions.
Make drastic lifestyle changes without consulting your doctor: Discuss any significant changes in diet, exercise routine, or sleep patterns with your doctor first.

Possible Questions:

Can you describe what happened during the seizure? (For first-time seizures or if your usual seizure pattern has changed)
How often do you experience seizures?
How long do your seizures typically last?
Do you have any warning signs before a seizure (aura)? If so, what are they?
What seems to trigger your seizures (if known)?
Have you ever injured yourself during a seizure?
Do you have any other medical conditions?
Are you taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter)?
Do you have a family history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders?
When was your last head injury (if any)?
Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs?
How much sleep do you typically get each night?
Do you experience a lot of stress in your life?
How would you describe your overall health?
Have you seen a doctor for this before? (If you have a diagnosed case)
Are you currently taking any medication for epilepsy? (If you have a diagnosed case)
How has epilepsy impacted your daily life?
What are your goals for managing your epilepsy?

1.Symptoms

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

Epilepsy can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most common is seizures. Seizures can manifest in many ways, including uncontrollable muscle movements, altered consciousness, abnormal sensations, or even temporary changes in mood or behaviour.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

How can I tell if I have epilepsy and not another condition?

It's important to see a specialist for proper diagnosis, as some symptoms of epilepsy can mimic other neurological conditions. At LIPS, our experienced epilepsy specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

What tests are used to diagnose epilepsy?

LIPS utilises a comprehensive approach to diagnose epilepsy, which may include:
- Detailed medical history and seizure descriptions
- Neurological examination
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity
- Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans (in some cases).
- Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

How long does it take to get diagnosed with epilepsy?

During your initial consultation at LIPS, our team will work efficiently to reach a diagnosis. The timeline may depend on the complexity of your case and any necessary tests, but we strive to provide clarity as quickly as possible.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What treatment options are available for epilepsy at LIPS?

LIPS offers a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include:
- Medication to control seizures
- Dietary modifications, like the ketogenic diet
- Surgical options for certain types of epilepsy
- Neuromodulation therapies (in specific cases)
- Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

How can I manage my epilepsy on a daily basis?

Our team will provide guidance on managing epilepsy effectively. This may involve medication adherence, lifestyle modifications like adequate sleep, and stress management techniques. LIPS can also connect you with support groups to connect with others managing epilepsy.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers. Our dedicated team can assist you in verifying your coverage and understanding any associated costs for epilepsy treatment.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Please don't hesitate to inquire about your specific insurance plan. We can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you receive the best possible care for epilepsy.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.