If your doctor thinks you may have epilepsy, they should arrange for you to see a neurologist. For younger patients, this may be a paediatrician. This doctor will probably suggest you have some tests in order to diagnose and provide treatment for epilepsy and seizures.
What are the Type of Seizures?
Electrical activity is happening in our brain all the time. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of intense electrical activity in the brain. This intense electrical activity is called ‘epileptic activity’. There are many different types of seizures. They can be classed by where in the brain the epileptic activity starts.
Focal (partial) seizures – In these seizures, the epileptic activity starts in just a part of your brain. You may stay alert in this type of seizure. Sometimes, epileptic activity starts as a focal seizure, spreads to the rest of your brain and becomes a generalised seizure.
Generalised seizures – These seizures involve epileptic activity in both halves of your brain. You lose consciousness during this type of seizure, although sometimes it can be so brief that no one notices. The muscles in your body may stiffen and/or jerk. You may fall down.
It is very helpful to keep a detailed diary of your seizures. You can show this to your doctor. It is also very helpful for someone who has seen you have a seizure to go with you to see your doctor. They can tell the doctor what it was like.
What is the Treatment for Epilepsy?
One of the most important parts of getting the right treatment for epilepsy and seizures is getting the right diagnosis. Doctors base their diagnosis on what they are told about your seizures.
Tests may include blood tests, an EEG (recording of your brainwaves) and a brain scan. However, there is not one single test that determines a diagnosis of epilepsy.
The main treatment for epilepsy and seizures is epilepsy medicine, also known as anti-epileptic drugs or AEDs. The medicine doesn’t cure epilepsy but helps to stop or reduce the number of seizures. Around 40 in every 100 people with epilepsy have their seizures stopped with the first epilepsy medicine they try.
Contact Dr Paviour
Whilst this overview gives you some insights into the condition, to understand more, you are welcome to contact Dr Dominic Paviour. He is highly rated as a private Neurologist in London, not only by his peers but most importantly, by his patients. His clinics are provided on various days so finding a suitable time and location is straightforward.
Dr Paviour will provide a clear practical plan to help you manage the condition and advise on suitable treatment for epilepsy. Simply contact us so we can arrange an appointment.
