Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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You’ve been given this information because your doctor thinks you may have had a seizure, or that you might have epilepsy. Making this diagnosis can be complex, so you’ll be referred to a specialist epilepsy clinic for further assessment and advice, and you’ll be offered the next available new-patient appointment. At your clinic you’ll get more information and a clear explanation. In the meantime, whether you’ve already started treatment, please follow the safety advice below, as you may still be at risk of further seizures.
What is a seizure?
A seizure (fit) occurs when the brain’s electrical activity becomes disturbed, leading to a temporary change in how nerve cells communicate. Seizures can look very different, from brief staring or confusion to full body shaking and may have many possible causes, though sometimes no clear cause is identified.
After a seizure
It is common to feel fatigued, experience muscle aches, nausea, disorientation, or anxiety following a seizure. You may also develop a headache, a sore mouth, or localised pain if you sustained an injury. These symptoms can persist for several hours and, in some cases, up to a few days. Adequate rest, good hydration, and avoidance of alcohol are advised. Simple analgesia, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, may help to relieve discomfort.
Next steps
You will be referred to a neurologist for assessment in the First Seizure Clinic. Our aim is to arrange this within two weeks, though on occasion it may take longer. It is important that you attend this appointment, preferably accompanied by someone who witnessed the event. Please bring with you any relevant information, including a written witness account if available. Video recordings of the episode can also be extremely valuable in assisting with diagnosis.
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, 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?
At your appointment, the specialist will ask you detailed questions and may arrange hospital tests. These do not directly diagnose seizures but can provide useful information. Tests may include:
- MRI or CT brain scan – to examine the structure of the brain.
- EEG (electroencephalogram) – to record the brain’s electrical activity.
These tests are not painful and may help identify possible causes of your seizure, enabling us to plan the most appropriate care or treatment.
Driving
If you hold a driving license and experience a single (suspected) seizure, you are legally required to stop driving immediately and notify the DVLA. This is because seizures can significantly impact driving safety. We recognize this can be very distressing and may affect many areas of your life. However, continuing to drive without declaring it is against the law and could result in prosecution.
The length of any driving ban depends on several factors and will be discussed with the specialist. Please note, however, that decisions about driving are made by the DVLA in line with the law not by the neurologist. The neurologist’s role is to assess your condition and provide the necessary clinical information for the DVLA’s decision.
First Aid/Safety
Ensure that those close to you know how to respond if you have another seizure. If you collapse and lose consciousness, they should:
- Protect you from injury by clearing the area of dangerous objects and placing something soft under your head.
- Record the time the seizure begins and how long it lasts.
After a seizure, they need to put you in the recovery position, to aid breathing until you are alert. They should stay with you until you have recovered and make a note of what happened. If it is safe and if you have given prior consent, the witness should also video your seizure for the clinician to review.
An ambulance is only required If:
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Until you have been seen in clinic, please:
- Avoid swimming or taking unsupervised baths.
- Do not work at unprotected heights or with hazardous equipment.
- Stay away from potentially dangerous environments such as roads, train tracks, or open water.
If you become pregnant, inform your GP immediately and notify the neurologist at your appointment.
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/004
Approval date:
25 September 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.