Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Epilepsy specialist nurses, play a vital role in supporting other healthcare professionals in primary, secondary and tertiary care, as well as educational and social care settings.
They are specialised in supporting children, young people, and adults with all aspects of living with epilepsy, providing support with information giving, advice on administering medications, care planning, management of side effects and the impact of epilepsy on daily activities.
Epilepsy specialist nurses may also identify problems that had been previously unnoticed, such as long-standing side effects of antiseizure medications.
Furthermore, by providing ongoing care and support specialist nurses are reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits
What is a seizure?A seizure (fit) happens when signals between the nerve cells in the brain become disrupted. Seizures can present in different ways and for different reasons, sometimes we may never know what caused a seizure. The term Epilepsy is used when there have been recurrent events or investigations identify a high risk of recurrence. Epilepsy can start at any age and there are many different types. Some types last for a limited time, but for many people, epilepsy can be a life-long condition. |
Further Investigations/Tests
The neurologist may have requested tests that include an MRI or CT brain scan (to look at the physical structure of the brain), and/or an EEG test, (to look at the electrical activity in the brain). Sometimes, the neurologist may also request cardiac tests to exclude a cardiac cause for your episode.
None of these tests are painful but they may help to determine the best care or treatment for you. Please note, these tests don’t diagnose. Epilepsy and may not be able to define the cause of your seizure.
Treatment
If you have been recommended medication, this is because we believe there is a risk of you having further seizures. Medication will always remain your decision however, as seizures can be unpredictable and harmful, we strongly encourage you to fully comprehend the options and risks involved in your choices. The neurologists work to find the right medication for you based on your previous medical history and we always aim for the lowest effective dose.
The Epilepsy CNS offers evidence-based information about current available treatment options and can discuss them with you.
The service
You can be seen by the Epilepsy CNS in an outpatient clinic, after being seen by the Consultant Neurologist if:
- After experiencing a first seizure with a likely diagnosis of epilepsy
- You are newly diagnosed with epilepsy and could benefit from advice, information, and support about living with and managing your condition.
- If you have an established diagnosis of epilepsy and require further information, help or advice in relation to ongoing treatment or a change or modification in treatment plan.
Specific information offered
The Epilepsy CNS can provide information and support on:
- Epilepsy treatment (medication changes, medication adverse effects, increase in seizure, change in seizure pattern)
- Education for patients, families, and carers
- First aid and safety
- Epilepsy self-management
- Driving and travelling
- Employment and Benefits
- Social and leisure activities
- Women’s health (contraception, preconception advice, pregnancy management)
- Rescue medication administration training
- Assisting with the transition from child to adult services
- (At Wexham Park Hospital only) Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) information and treatment
Contact details for Epilepsy Nurses who run the Epilepsy Advice Line:
| Wexham Park Hospital 07825 061135 fhft.epilepsy@ |
| Frimley Park Hospital 03006 134082 fhft.adultepilepsyteam@ |
(Voicemail in operation) - Messages will be returned within 48-72 hours. Please note this is NOT an emergency, weekend or out of hours service. Urgent problems that cannot wait should be referred to your GP or the 111 service. If you need urgent medical attention, please attend your local A&E Department and/or call 999 for ambulance services
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Neurology service.
About this information
Service:
Neurology
Reference:
K/002
Approval date:
9 January 2025
Review date:
9 January 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.