What to do if you think you’ve had a seizure
Seeing your doctor and getting a referral. Also how to prepare for your first appointment
Keeping a seizure diary
Why keeping a seizure diary is useful, and how to download one
Diagnosing epilepsy
How epilepsy is diagnosed and which tests are used
EEG tests and epilepsy
Information about different EEGs
Magnetic resonance imaging and epilepsy
How an MRI can help diagnose epilepsy
Dissociative seizures
These are also known as non-epileptic seizures. The pages offer some basic information on these and links to more detailed websites
Getting the right treatment and care for your epilepsy
A patient's journey through the NHS
Comments: read the 7 comments or add yours
Comments
I have taken epilepsy medicine since 15 yrs. the first time i take TEGROTOL-200 MG, and later on i take ENCORATE CHRONO-500mg, sodium valporate n valporic acid. how long i have to take this medicine and be will it ok or no. from last 4-5 yesrs i leff for being unconcinous also. Will it be okey or i have to take medicine till my life...
Hi Rajkumar
Thanks for your message. Epilepsy is very different from person to person. Some people can eventually stop taking epilepsy medicine. But many people need to take epilepsy medicine for their whole life to control their seizures. We’re not medically trained so we can’t give you advice on your treatment. It would be best to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
From the medicine names you’ve written it sounds like you might not be in the UK. The information on this website is about epilepsy treatment and care in the UK, but you could check our list of international epilepsy organisations to see if there is one in your country.
Best wishes
Grace
Epilepsy Action Advice and Information Team
Hi, neurologist did MRI and EEG to find out why I suffered 'mist' in centre of right vision....thought it may be tiny clot on optic nerve due to my "sticky blood"(Hughes syndrome)....
I'd also explained how i get these episodes of heavy tiredness after I've suffered extremely stressful situations......(e.g. 3 close relatives vein brushed into hospital in same week...) They only happen when I'm at home resting AFTER the stressful situation has abated.....I stay completely conscious the whole time....takes about 5-10mins to 'wash-over' me........
I just need to sit or lie down and close my eyes...it passes after 5-20mins. it happens rarely. I had one in November 2015 after an 18mth break - then had another June 29th - in front of a paramedic.
Neurologist diagnosed me with epilepsy and told me i had to send my driving licence back to dvla who say i can't apply for it back for a year.
Despite the fact that i never lose consciousness......
never happened anywhere other than at home resting after tea-time......
never ever had problem driving even when tired,
and has been witnessed by a paramedic who said I wasn't having an epileptic episode...i talked to him the whole time.
My GP said it was 'complex-partial' but i looked it up and it does not fit my symptoms......i know that other people with Hughes Syndrome have these episodes........are we all epileptic - or have i been misdiagnosed?
I'm finding it difficult to come to terms with.
Please help?
Dear Karen
Thank you for your question. I see from our records that you have spoken to a colleague on our Helpline. I hope this discussion covered the queries you raised in your email. If there is anything further we can help you with, please feel free to come back to us.
Regards
Diane
Epilepsy Action Helpline Team
Dear Karen
Thank you for your question. I see from our records that you have spoken to a colleague on our Helpline. I hope this discussion covered the queries you raised in your email. If there is anything further we can help you with, please feel free to come back to us.
Regards
Diane
Epilepsy Action Helpline Team
hello i had 3 sleep seizures in june this year this is the first time i have had seizures i havent had any since as im on keppra and clobazam but my seizures led to the diagnosis of a frontal lobe brain tumour.does this mean i have epilepsy or not ? one doctor has said i will be on the pills for life even after the tumour is removed but another has said they will try and get me off them.
My daughter has been diagnosed with form of epilepsy was in bit of bubble so still in dark really am waiting to see local specialist now any.idea you normally wait