In this service we care for people who have epilepsy. We also look after people who have had a ‘first fit’, or if they have other types of seizure problems.
A seizure (of fit) is when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. This can cause a person to:
- Shake or jerk uncontrollably
- Stare blankly or seem confused
- Fall over or lose awareness
- Feel strange in their body or emotions.
A ‘first fit’ is when someone has a seizure for the first time. We run rapid access clinics for people who have had a ‘first fit’.
Anyone can have a seizure, both children and adults. Some people will only ever have one seizure. Others may have them more often. If this happens, it could be a sign of epilepsy.
Epilepsy can last for your whole life, or it can get better. It affects everyone in different ways and your treatment will be bespoke to you. You can find out more here: Epilepsy - NHS.
- Your first appointment will be with a Consultant Neurologist or a member of their team. This doctor will be an expert in epilepsy and seizures.
- We will take a full history from you and discuss a treatment plan with you. We may also need to do further tests and scans.
- With your permission, we will also ask to speak to friends or family. This is so we can understand what happens to you when you have a seizure.
- We may ask you to keep a seizure diary. This helps us to establish your seizure pattern and see if your treatment is working. We may also ask you to get help in recording your seizures on video. This will help us understand things better.
- Your follow up care will be either face-to-face or via phone. We will review your care at intervals specific to your needs.
- Our team will give you advice and support to help you manage your condition and get on with your daily life.
- If you are pregnant or trying to have a baby, please let us know. We will see you as quickly as we can. This is so we can make sure your treatment plan remains appropriate.
- If your seizures are often, or they last more than 5 minutes, we will discuss an emergency plan with you. We may give you rescue medicine and train your family and friends how to use this.
Dr Hannah Steele leads our epilepsy and seizure service. She is a Consultant Neurologist and has a specialist interest in epilepsy.
We also have specialist nurses who will play a vital role in your ongoing care and treatment.
We see adults and children in our clinics.
We work closely with services in Newcastle if you need surgical help.
If you can’t drive due to your seizure disorder, we can help you access free travel. We can also help you get free prescriptions. Please ask our team for help with this.
Where can I find out more?
- Epilepsy Action - click here
- Epilepsy Society - click here
- Epilepsy Foundation - click here
