Epilepsy

EPILEPSY and FUNNY TURNS
BRIDGE THE GAP TO YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT 

Did you know?

  

Having a seizure, any loss of consciousness or a funny turn can be life changing. Knowing when to confidently reassure a patient that they don’t have epilepsy is as important as diagnosing it when necessary.

A suspected seizure should be evaluated within two weeks by a consultant neurologist or specialist in epilepsy (NICE guideline CG137, 2012). Many people will have been to an Emergency Department after such an event, and advised to see a neurologist. Having been told not to drive until they are seen, waiting many weeks or months for an appointment can be a great strain financially and to the family. Waiting months again for tests to be done that determine risk adds more to the stress, possibly not having started an appropriate treatment. 
Vigabatrin epilepsy (seizures) drug molecule.
Vigabatrin epilepsy (seizures) drug molecule.
Epilepsy is a common illness, but can be successfully treated if diagnosed. Most people respond well to the first medication they are treated with and tolerate the medication well.

Many disorders can mimic seizures and epilepsy. Fainting with twitching of the body is the most common mimic, referred to as Convulsive Syncope. If diagnosed, there is usually no effect on driving or work. Cardiac rhythm disturbances can cause seizure-like events, and, if identified and successfully treated, mean that an individual would not have a diagnosis of seizures any longer.

For more information on epilepsy: 
www.epilepsy.org.uk (Epilepsy Action)
www.epilepsysociety.org.uk (Epilepsy Society) 

Remember that if you have had a suspected seizure, you should not drive until evaluated. If you are diagnosed as having had a Single Seizure, you cannot drive for 6 months. If you are diagnosed with Epilepsy, you must be 12 months seizure-free before you can drive again. HGV licence holders have more severe restrictions. For more information on driving: www.gov.uk/government/publications/at-a-glance
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