Visiting your doctor

Last checked 20/11/2008

If you’re having any problems with your epilepsy or you think you’re having side-effects from your anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), don’t ignore them or hope that they’ll go away. Speak to your family doctor who will try to sort these out for you. If they can’t help, they’ll usually refer you to an epilepsy specialist.

Should I see a doctor on a regular basis?

(this information is relevant to England and Wales)

There are some guidelines for doctors, produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). This is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on treatments and care for people using the NHS in England and Wales.

The NICE guideline for epilepsy recommends that if you are an adult with epilepsy, you should have a review of your epilepsy and AEDs at least once a year. This should be with your GP or epilepsy specialist. If you continue to have seizures or side effects, you should be referred to an epilepsy specialist by your GP.

November 2008

Epilepsy Helpline

UK freephone 0808 800 5050
International +44 113 210 8850
Email: helpline@epilepsy.org.uk
Txt msg: 07797 805 390 info

Epilepsy Action blog

Media blog for November 2008

Here in the UK, as winter draws in, the nights are dark and the snow is falling you could be forgiven for the urge to curl up in front of the fire and watch a good dose of daytime television.

Media Blog for October 2008

During October, Epilepsy Action took part in 22 radio interviews, and 36 online features.

Channel 4 documentary about Young Carers (9-14 yrs)

Epilepsy Action has been approached by a documentary production company who are developing a film for Channel 4 focussing on young carers in the UK. The company are looking to work with children aged 9-14 years who are just about the only carer for another family member with epilepsy.