What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is characterised by the tendency to have repeated unprovoked seizures. Seizures are sudden disturbances of electrical activity of the brain. A single seizure typically does not lead to a diagnosis of epilepsy.
The diagnosis of epilepsy must be made by a neurologist. Epilepsy is a common condition and can be diagnosed at any age. There are many causes of seizures and epilepsy (although many patients have no obvious cause). Most people with epilepsy have their seizures well managed and controlled by treatment with anti-seizure drugs.
What does our service offer?
Our service offers neurologists skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Patients may be seen at neurology clinics, first seizure and epilepsy clinics.
All patients attending the first seizure clinic or attending the neurology clinic for the first time are requested to bring along a friend or relative who has witnessed their events.
Specialist assessments available within the service include:
Electroencephalography (EEG): this assesses brain wave activity and may be useful in some patients. Standard, short video and ambulatory EEG may be offered as needed.
Videotelemetry: prolonged EEG recording as an inpatient (needed in a small number of patients).
Epilepsy surgery assessment: considered in a small proportion of people with specific types of treatment resistant epilepsy that may potentially benefit from surgery.
SPECT and PET imaging: in epilepsy surgery assessments.
Consultant neurologists:
Dr John Greene
Dr Saif Razvi
Dr Craig Heath
Dr Rosanne Murray
Dr Ramesh Nekkare
Dr Russell Hewett
Dr Claire Gall
Associate Specialist in Epilepsy:
Dr Linda Stephen
Epilepsy Specialist Nurses:
Ms Eleanor Arthur
Ms Dianne Burchill (Epilepsy & Learning Disability)
Ms Clare McDade
Ms Colette Mallon
Ms Jennifer McDonald (Epilepsy & Learning Disability)
Ms Susan Sanders