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What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy affects your brain and causes repeated seizures. Doctors usually diagnose it during childhood, but they can diagnose it at any age.
Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in your brain that temporarily change how it functions. As a result, you may lose control of your limbs, shake and become stiff.
Seizures typically last between one and three minutes. If seizures start to last longer than five minutes, you need immediate medical attention.
Epilepsy does not cause all seizures. Some people have one seizure and never have another. A fever, heart conditions and alcohol withdrawal can cause a seizure, so it’s crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Epilepsy is not always dangerous, and many people live their lives without it having a huge impact. However, as some epilepsy cases are unpredictable, it’s vital to have a management plan from a specialist.
Symptoms of epilepsy
Epilepsy symptoms can vary because it affects distinct areas of the brain in different people. However, most people with epilepsy will experience seizures alongside other symptoms.
Symptoms of epilepsy include:
- Uncontrollable jerking or shaking movements (sometimes called a fit or convulsions)
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Stiffness or tingling sensations
- Other unusual feelings, sensations and behaviours
Symptoms also depend on the seizure type and its severity.
Seizures can be dangerous in some cases, so you must work closely with a specialist to gain control over them. They can also help you explain your condition to your family so they know when a seizure is harmless or dangerous.
When to see a doctor and epilepsy specialist
Understanding your seizures’ causes and triggers is essential to your management plan. A specialist can tell you whether it’s safe to continue driving and perform high-risk activities like operating heavy machinery.
Speak to your doctor if:
- It is your first seizure
- You have experienced repeated seizures
- Your seizures are occurring more often than usual
- You are unsure whether you had a seizure
- You are pregnant or have diabetes
- You are injured
Types of seizures
There are three main epileptic seizure types. Knowing what they look like can help manage your condition or support a loved one with theirs.
Tonic-clonic seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures are the most recognised. These usually begin with a sudden loss of consciousness (the tonic stage). The body stiffens and muscles jerk involuntarily (the clonic stage). Some people turn blue, lose control of their bladder or bite their tongue.
You can feel tired and confused after regaining consciousness. You might also have no memory of what happened and a headache.
Focal seizures
Focal seizures begin in one area of your brain and affect the body part it controls.
Focal seizures can be simple partial seizures (auras) or complex partial seizures.
Simple partial seizures involve:
- Unusual sensations or behaviours, such as strange smells or tastes
- A peculiar, rising feeling in the stomach
- Intense emotional feelings
- Tingling in the arms and legs
Complex partial seizures may involve:
- Random body movements
- General lack of awareness
- Making strange noises
Absence seizures
Absence seizures are more common in children but can affect people of all ages. During an absence seizure, you lose awareness of your surroundings for up to 15 seconds. This seizure type can happen multiple times throughout the day and you will most likely have no memory of it afterwards.
Symptoms of an absence seizure are:
- Staring into space
- Small, jerking movements
- Fluttering eyes
At Dementech Neurosciences, we offer paediatric neurology services that provide care and support to children with absence seizures.
Epilepsy triggers
Identifying what triggers your seizures is an essential part of diagnosing the condition. Sometimes, triggers in combination can cause your seizures. You might be unable to decipher them from one seizure.
Some common epilepsy triggers include:
- Lack of sleep
- High fever or illness
- Stress
- Flashing lights, bright lights or patterns
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Some medicines
- Skipping meals
- Overeating
- Specific food ingredients
You can eliminate your epilepsy triggers from your daily routine with our specialists’ help and reduce your risk of seizures.
Diagnosing epilepsy
At Dementech Neurosciences, our experienced team can accurately diagnose epilepsy and identify triggers to help you manage your condition effectively.
One way of diagnosing epilepsy is a neurological examination where we monitor your behaviour, movements and cognitive abilities. It determines which epilepsy you have.
Electroencephalograms (EEG) are the most commonly used brain imaging scans to diagnose epilepsy. We place small electrodes (patches) on your scalp with an adhesive or a cap. The electrodes record your brain’s electrical activity. Our specialists can assess the patterns and changes to confirm or rule out epilepsy.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans capture images of your brain and check for bleeding, tumours or cysts that may be causing your seizures.
Why choose Dementech Neurosciences?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of epilepsy or unexplained seizures, Dementech Neurosciences can help. We’re home to the UK’s leading epilepsy specialists, providing ongoing support for you and your family throughout your time with us. Our team can offer unique treatment plans and further advice after your initial consultation.
When you choose us, you can access same-week consultations, assessments, and results from scans and tests within 48 hours.
Private treatment for epilepsy with Dementech Neurosciences
We may ask you to keep a diary of your seizures so we can create your bespoke management plan. The diary should include their frequency, length and other symptoms you experience. Diaries can also be helpful in identifying triggers.
Once we diagnose your seizures, we may offer you antiepileptic medications to stop them. Whether medication is right for you will depend on various factors, such as your age and the type of seizures you’re having. Our epilepsy specialist will work with you to create the correct management plan for your needs.
Before we prescribe medication, you must have a blood test to ensure you do not have any underlying medical conditions that might make it less effective.
With the proper medication, management plan and avoiding your triggers, you should see a significant reduction in your seizures.
Prices for our epilepsy services start at £485. Learn more about our fees and pathways.
What to expect when you visit Dementech Neurosciences in London
You’ll receive unparalleled care throughout your journey when you visit Dementech Neurosciences. Our team will guide you through your consultation and explain every step of the process.
After your consultation, you’ll attend any necessary tests or scans before receiving your results. Our specialists will thoroughly explain your results and what they mean for your treatment plan. Your bespoke plan may include monitoring your medication response and avoiding triggers.
Do not hesitate to ask questions at any point. We’ll happily provide you with all the information you need.
Book an appointment with Dementech Neurosciences
If you or your loved one is experiencing seizures, book an appointment with our specialist epilepsy. Our team can provide ongoing support for your epilepsy.
Visit our private London
neurology clinic in
Wimpole Street:
Lister House
11 Wimpole street
W1G 9ST London
United Kingdom
Meet our Doctors
Our team of epilepsy experts in London provide expert care to diagnose, manage and treat epilepsy symptoms.
Dr Tahira Choudry – Consultant Neurologist
Epilepsy
Movement Disorders
Neurologist
Parkinson's Disease
Private Neurology
Dr. Maria Papachatzaki – Consultant Neurologist, MS Specialist
Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Neurologist
Private Neurology
Hear what our patients have to say
I have been pleased with the excellent service I have received to date: discreet, compassionate and very helpful in every aspect. All my concerns were listened to carefully, my questions answered accurately and relevant documentation sent/ received efficiently. The practice manager Ms S Butt could not have been more helpful and considerate. This encouraged me to have confidence in the staff and the Consultancy with the most important person in my life and I look forward to the Consultation and the results thereof.Anonymous
The clinic is very welcoming. I would especially like to thank Shakeela and Sobia who took good care of us and made sure my father in law was comfortable as he was very nervous. They were very polite. Dr was excellent. I would recommend this clinic. My father in law was very nervous when he arrived in the clinic but he left with a smile. This explains it all about the clinic. How wonderful they are. Thanks againAnonymous
FAQs About Epilepsy
I’m claustrophobic. Is there an MRI scan alternative?
Yes, many people who struggle with small spaces have the option to have an open or upright MRI scan.
Will I get a copy of my results?
Yes, if you would like to see your results after any test or assessment, we can provide the details for you. Feel free to ask for a copy of your test results or a CD of your MRI scan if applicable.
What does the consultation entail?
During a consultation we will carry out an assessment and go through your medical history with a view to getting a diagnosis. From there, you will receive a treatment plan and a full consultation report.
Can you arrange tests?
Yes, depending on what is most suitable for you and your condition, we can arrange for tests and scans to be scheduled before or after your consultation.
How quickly can I be seen?
We aim to see patients in the same week of their enquiry wherever possible.
If I am seen privately, will I be removed from the NHS waiting list?
No, receiving care at Dementech will not impact your NHS care. You are still welcome to seek guidance and treatment from the NHS if you wish to.
Do you offer video calls?
Yes. If you cannot make it to the clinic, we can video call you on Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp.
How quickly can we get an MRI, blood test, and other testing done?
We carry out tests within two days of them being requested, and we will get the results back within 48 hours.
Do you provide finance?
No, we do not offer finance payment plans at present.