Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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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 reacurance.
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.
Medication
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.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that anti-seizure medications prevent all seizures but the majority of people tolerate drugs well, continue to take them in the longer term and remain seizure free. Medication does not remove the underlying cause of the seizures and only works if taken every day.
Risks/SUDEP
Seizures (especially generalised tonic clonic seizures) are not without their risks which can include accidents, injuries, prolonged seizures and tragically that about 1 in 1000 people in the UK every year die as a result of seizures so achieving control is important. Medication is the most effective tool at our disposal to minimize the risks individuals may face with seizures.
Pregnancy
If you discover that you are pregnant whilst on the medication, please do not stop taking this - let your GP know immediately and ring our advice line on 03006134082 (Frimley patients)/07825 061135 (Wexham patients).
Appointments
If you have been started on medication, you will have been offered an appointment with either the Neurologist or the Epilepsy Specialist Nursing team. We know that there can be long waits between appointments so do not hesitate to call our non-emergency advice line if you have problems or further seizures – 03006134082(Frimley patients)/ 07825061135 (Wexham patients).
General Safety
Following seizures, there is always a balance between making things safer and freedom of choice. Most patients retain their normal routines however even if you have already been started on treatment, there are some recommended safety precautions.
We advise you to avoid things such as taking unsupervised baths, swimming alone or in open water, being at unprotected heights (e.g. on ladders) or using potentially hazardous equipment. Taking showers rather than baths is advised to reduce the risk of drowning in seizure and we recommend that you do not lock the bathroom door, in case you need support.
Driving
If you hold a driving licence and have a seizure, the law says you must stop driving with immediate effect and inform the driving agency (DVLA). This is because a seizure can affect your ability to drive safely. If you have epilepsy or a history of epilepsy, you will need to be free from seizures for 12 months before being entitled to drive again. If you have only ever had 1 seizure, you may be able to drive after 6 months but please discuss this with your clinical team.
We understand that stopping driving can be a significant issue which can be very upsetting and can affect many aspects of your life, however if you don’t stop driving you may be breaking the law and could face prosecution.
First Aid/Safety
Some people will only ever have one seizure in their lives, but others may experience further seizures and may go on to be diagnosed with epilepsy. It is important that those close to you know what to do if you have another seizure.
If your seizure involves collapse and loss of consciousness, they should protect you from injury by moving any harmful objects away and cushioning your head. They should note the time the seizure starts and how long it lasts.
They should not restrain you, put anything in your mouth, or attempt to give you food or drink during the seizure.
Once the seizure has stopped, they should place you in the recovery position to help keep your airway clear and support breathing. They should stay with you until you are fully alert and recovered, offering reassurance as you may feel confused or tired afterwards.
If it is safe to do so, and you have given prior consent, a witness may record the seizure on video to assist clinical review.
An ambulance is only required if:
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If you have another seizure,
please record the following information (with the help of a witness):
Before the seizure:
- Did anything trigger (set off) the seizure – for example, did you feel tired, hungry, or unwell?
- Did you have any warning that the seizure was going to happen?
- Did your mood change – for example, were you excited, anxious or quiet?
- Did you make any sound, such as crying out or mumbling?
- Did you notice any unusual sensations, such as an odd smell or taste, or a rising feeling in your stomach?
- Where were you and what were you doing before the seizure?
During the seizure:
- Did you appear to be ‘blank’ or stare into space?
- Did you lose consciousness or become confused?
- Did you do anything unusual such as mumble, wander about or fiddle with your clothing?
- Did your colour change (become pale or flushed) and if so, where (face or lips)?
- Did your breathing change (for example, become noisy or look difficult)?
- Did any part of your body move, jerk or twitch?
- Did you fall down, or go stiff or floppy?
- Did you wet yourself?
- Did you bite your tongue or cheek?
After the seizure:
- How did you feel after the seizure – did you feel tired, confused, worn out or need to sleep?
- How long was it before you were able to carry on as normal?
Did you notice anything else?
Please answer the questions on this leaflet or jot down anything you may want to ask in your next appointment. No questions are ‘silly’ or unimportant if they matter to you.
Useful Contacts
If you need any further advice or information the following contacts
may be helpful:
Epilepsy Specialist Nurses
Frimley Park Hospital
03006 134082
fhft.adultepilepsyteam@
Wexham Hospital
07825 061135
fhft.epilepsy@
Epilepsy Action
0808 800 5050
www.
EpSMon
www.
Epilepsy Society
01494 601400
www.
Young Epilepsy
01342 832243
www.
DVLA
Drivers Medical Group,
Swansea SA99 1TU
Tel: 0300 790 6806
Email:eftd
Web: www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Neurology service.
About this information
Service:
Neurology
Reference:
K/005
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.