Epilepsy
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is not just about seizures. It is a diagnosis of a continuous interruption of cerebral electrochemical activity in the brain with intermittent eruptions of such excessive activity that a clinical seizure is observed. A single seizure episode does not automatically mean you have epilepsy. Then again, having repeated unprovoked seizures will require further investigation and possible treatment.
Epilepsy is not limited to a single race, gender, nor age group. However, it is most commonly diagnosed in children and in people over 65. The prevalence rate of epilepsy in the U.K. is 1 to 100 people. This makes over half a million people to be diagnosed with epilepsy in England alone.
Adult Epilepsy Service
We aim to promote optimum health and well-being for people with epilepsy and improve their quality of life together with their families by providing efficient adult epilepsy service thereby increasing their seizure threshold, minimising their experienced side effects to anti-epileptic drugs, and decreasing the time they get admitted to the hospital.
- We are a multidisciplinary team of consultant neurologists, an epilepsy specialist nurse, other neurology specialist nurses, and neurology research nurses covering the diagnostics, medical interventions, and close monitoring of identified clients throughout the Bedfordshire area extending to surrounding towns.
- We have a direct access to our in-hospital Neurophysiology Department and Imaging Department for urgent EEG (electroencephalogram) tests and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) accordingly as needed for better management of patients.
- A direct link to tertiary hospitals in England is readily available for complex cases who may need further investigation and assessment for possible epilepsy surgery program.
- We work closely with the Paediatrics Epilepsy Service in transitioning young adults from their care starting at the age of sixteen.
- A healthy relationship is being maintained between the hospital staff, GPs, and community teams to promote best possible care for people with epilepsy.
- We are up-to-date with the clinical guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) with regard to the diagnosis and management of epilepsies. Moreover, we are following the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) guidance on the use of Valproate in girls or women of childbearing potential.
- Close monitoring and follow-up are being conducted for women with epilepsy who are currently pregnant, planning pregnancy, or have just given birth and/or breastfeeding. The side effects and risks of AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) are taken into consideration and individualised, suitable management for women concerned are implemented after consultation.
- We offer information dissemination, help, and support to people with epilepsy and to their families and friends. An individualised approach to the management of their condition is being observed.
- We offer advice, help, and support to people with epilepsy and to their families and friends. An individualised approach to the management of their condition is being observed. Information about living with epilepsy can be found through the following link.
Our Clinics
In keeping with the NICE Guidelines, we aim that adults presenting with a suspected seizure are seen by a specialist in the diagnosis and management within 2 weeks of presentation.
- Outpatients Neurology Clinic – conducted by consultant neurologists and clinical fellow doctors (Mondays – Fridays)
- Epilepsy Nurse-led Clinic – conducted by the Adult Epilepsy Specialist Nurse during Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays covering new referrals and follow-up
- Transition Clinic – conducted by Paediatric and Adult Epilepsy Departments (twice annually)
- Pregnancy and Epilepsy Clinic – conducted by Dr Linda Parsons
- Telephone/Video Clinic – conducted based on demand
Contact us
Adult Epilepsy Nursing Service (Mondays to Fridays)
Direct Contact Number: 01582 71 8990
E-Mail Address: ldh-tr.neurology@nhs.net