Diagnosing Epilepsy

The first step in diagnosing epilepsy is a thorough medical evaluation. A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and may perform various tests to help identify the type of seizure you are experiencing. This may include a blood test, an electroencephalogram (EEG), and a brain scan.

There are different types of seizures, and the type of seizure you have will determine the appropriate treatment. Focal seizures, for example, originate from a specific area of the brain, while generalised seizures involve both sides of the brain. It is important to keep a detailed record of your seizures and share it with your doctor, as this can help with diagnosis and treatment.

Treating Epilepsy

The main treatment for epilepsy is anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). These medications work to reduce or eliminate seizures by stabilising the electrical activity in the brain. There are many different types of AEDs, and finding the right one for you may take some time. It is also important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you are not experiencing seizures.

In addition to medication, there are other treatments for epilepsy that may be recommended by your doctor. These include:

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): This involves implanting a device under the skin that sends electrical signals to the vagus nerve in the neck, which helps reduce seizures.
• Surgery: In some cases, you may need surgery to remove the area of the brain where seizures originate.
• Ketogenic diet: This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may be recommended for some people with epilepsy who do not respond to medication.

Why Choose Dr Paviour for Epilepsy Treatment in London?

Dr Dominic Paviour is a consultant neurologist working in London. His expertise and experience includes the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Furthermore, he provides individualised care for each patient and uses the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to help manage the condition.

As a consultant neurologist in London, Dr Paviour offers flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Whether you need a consultation or ongoing treatment, his team can find a suitable time and location for your appointment.

If you are looking for epilepsy treatment in London, contact Dr Dominic Paviour today.

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How do we diagnose Parkinson’s Disease?

Research from Parkinson’s UK confirms the disease is degenerative. It develops slowly, with symptoms becoming more pronounced over time. Symptoms often do not become obvious for many years. It is vital to look for symptoms described as Parkinsonism.

Parkinsonism describes several symptoms found in Parkinson’s Disease but may also appear in other conditions. Most patients with any form of Parkinsonism receive a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. This is the most common form of the disease, and it’s called this because the cause is unknown. Other less common forms of Parkinsonism include vascular Parkinson’s and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Investigating Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease 

Parkinson’s will only be diagnosed after full consultation with a specialist neurologist. Your neurologist will take a full medical history and examine you, focusing on your nervous system. You should be ready to provide a history of your symptoms, particularly anything getting worse or changes. Some people begin to keep a diary of their symptoms so doctors can spot any patterns of degeneration.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease differ for each patient. However, the most symptoms include the following:

• Slowing movement
• Difficulty turning in bed
• Tremors
• Fatigue
• Smaller handwriting

Furthermore, there are additional early signs and symptoms of the disease, such as:

• Unusual depression and anxiety
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Loss of sense of smell
• Constipation
• Unusual tiredness

It is difficult for patients to recognise some of these early symptoms. They can indicate so many other conditions. However, if any of them occurs unexpectedly, you should visit your doctor.

Your consultant neurologist will examine you for the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, which may involve:

• Testing your writing or drawing to check the size
• Testing your walk to see if the swing of your arm differs and your stride length or speed
• Speech testing to see if your voice lacks volume or is unusually soft

These are just some of the tests which help towards a diagnosis. Some patients trial medication and treatment to see if this helps in the diagnosis process.

Private Neurology Appointments for Parkinson’s Disease

Dr Paviour specialises in neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s. He can help patients get their initial diagnosis or work with you to find the right treatment plan. His approach is patient-centred, and he looks to find the right treatment for the individual, not just the condition. You can book an appointment by getting in touch today.

Image source: Pexels

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As an isolated symptom, headache is very rarely caused by tumours or a ‘serious’ underlying disease. Nevertheless, it is often still a significant problem for the patient. It affects almost everyone occasionally.

However, it can be a significant problem for an estimated 40% of people in the UK at some time in their lives.
Migraines also affect 15% of the UK adult population. Up to 100,000 people are absent from work or school because of migraine on any one day in the UK. This represents an enormous cost burden to employers.

What are the different types of headaches?

A headache is classified as ‘primary’ if there is not a structural abnormality (such as a tumour) or another clear trigger for it such as a head injury. The most common primary headache conditions are migraines and tension-type headaches.

Neurologists categorise headaches depending on symptoms and causes. This Consultant’s Guide to Headaches details this below.

Migraine headaches are usually one-sided, severe throbbing headaches with accompanying nausea. The discomfort is worsened by bright light and loud noise. They can last anywhere between 4 hours and 3 days. The headache is not always the most troublesome symptom.

If in the last three months you have had the following, you have probably had a migraine.

• Headache associated with a feeling of nausea
• Troubled by bright light
• Symptoms limited your ability to work

Tension-type headaches affect up to 80% of people from time to time. They are often referred to as a ‘normal’ or ‘ordinary’ headache. Consequently, most are treated without reference to physicians, using over-the-counter (OTC) medications which are generally effective.

Nevertheless, it can be a disabling headache for several hours. The high prevalence of this disorder means its economic burden through lost work is significant and if OTC medications are taken too frequently, a medication overuse headache can occur.

Cluster headaches are much less common than migraines or tension headaches but are intense and frequently recurring.

Medication-overuse headaches are usually characterised by a chronic daily headache. This is the most common cause of ‘secondary’ headache. It often presents in combination with migraines, or mild head or neck injury.

Caffeine overuse or withdrawal and a number of other medical conditions such as anaemia and thyroid problems can also cause headaches.

Consultant’s Guide to Headaches – More Information

Dr Dominic Paviour is highly rated as a Consultant Neurologist in London, not only by his peers but most importantly, by his patients. To discuss more detail about this Consultant’s Guide to Headaches simply contact us so we can respond and discuss how we can help.

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Dr Paviour graduated in 1998 after training in London, winning the Medical School Gold Medal. Following junior medical jobs in London and at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, he then passed his MRCP examinations. He returned to London and completed a PhD at the Institute of Neurology. He then completed specialist Neurology training in London.

Choosing a Neurologist?

If you need to see a private neurologist in London, it is important to find a doctor who meets your medical needs. It is also crucial to select a consultant that you are comfortable with and that you can talk to. Diagnosing and treating neurological conditions depends on the doctor getting a good grasp of precisely what you are experiencing.

A neurologist is a medically qualified doctor dealing with disorders of the nervous system. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease that involve the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. Neurologists also manage conditions that affect the coverings of the brain (the meninges), the blood supply of the nervous system and muscles (as these are controlled by the nervous system).

Dr Paviour has many years’ experience in supporting patients with various medical conditions. These include migraines, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Dr Paviour will undertake an initial consultation to understand the nature of the main symptoms you experience. He will review any previous medical problems you may have had and enquire about current and past medical treatments. Dr Paviour may enquire about any conditions that run in the family. You will have a physical examination that will focus on the functioning of the nervous system so he has a full picture to be able to diagnose.

Book to see a Private Neurologist in London

Dr Dominic Paviour 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 straight forward. Simply contact us so we can respond and discuss how we can help.

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With a busy NHS and private practice, Dr Paviour is highly regarded by peers and patients alike.  He currently works as a clinical lead for Movement Disorders at the Atkinson Morley Regional Neurosciences Centre.  He also has a specialist interest in the management of neurological disorders in pregnancy and the neurological complications of pregnancy.

Dr Paviour graduated in 1998 after training in London, winning the Medical School Gold Medal. Following junior medical jobs in London and at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals and passing his MRCP examinations, he returned to London and completed a PhD at the Institute of Neurology. He then completed specialist Neurology training in London.

Training and Background

Dr Paviour completed his PhD in 2006. He has published peer-reviewed papers in high-quality neurology and general medical journals. Much of his published research is in the field of degenerative movement disorders.

He is currently the principal investigator (PI) at the St George’s University of London for several studies looking at clinical and genetic features of Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Paviour Consultant Neurologist collaborates with others on international clinical research in Parkinson’s disease and attends regular international conferences on Parkinson’s disease and other Movement Disorders. For an up to date list of publications see Pubmed.

Currently, Dr Dominic Paviour is an honorary senior lecturer in the Neurosciences Department of St George’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, part of St George’s University of London. He teaches medical students and junior doctors throughout the working week.

Contact Dr Dominic Paviour

Dr Paviour gives more information in his welcome video and would invite you to his clinic so you can discuss any of your symptoms.  To make an appointment please email pa@drpaviour.com, phone  020 7042 1850 or send a message via our contact us page.

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When looking for a neurologist, it is important to find a doctor who meets your medical needs. It is also crucial to select a consultant that you are comfortable with because you need to be able to discuss your health in detail. Diagnosing and treating neurological conditions depends on the doctor getting a good understanding of precisely what you are experiencing.

About the London Clinic

Established in 1932 and situated in the heart of London’s medical community, The London Clinic is one of the UK’s largest private hospitals. They are dedicated to providing the best, personalised healthcare with a breadth of surgical and medical expertise.

As well as being an independent hospital, they are also a charity. Governed by the Chair and Board of Trustees all surplus profit is re-invested. The monies go towards patient care, research and innovation and education and training.

About Dr Paviour

Dr Paviour has many years’ experience in supporting patients with various medical conditions. As a neurologist at The London Clinic, he has expert knowledge of migraines, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

He will undertake an initial consultation so he understands the nature of the main symptoms you experience. He will review any previous medical problems you may have had and enquire about current and past medical treatments. Dr Paviour may also enquire about any conditions that run in the family because genetics can play in part in conditions.

You will have a physical examination so a full understanding is gained.  This will probably mean testing muscle strength, coordination, sensation and balance.  Vision, eye movements, speech, and other mental functions could be tested. This will help to determine what the problem is and what part of the nervous system it affects.

See a Neurologist at the London Clinic

Dr Paviour is highly rated as a Consultant Neurologist in London, not only by his peers but most importantly, by his patients. If you need to see a Neurologist at the London, Dr Paviour is available on alternate Friday afternoons. Feel free to contact us so we can discuss any neurological symptoms and how Dr Paviour can help.

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