Epilepsy
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the most common serious neurologicalcondition. In Scotland over 40,000 people have a diagnosis of epilepsy.Epilepsy can start at any age and is common in all nationalities.It is sometimes difficult to diagnose epilepsy, for this reason anumber of tests will be suggested to help the specialists make thecorrect diagnosis. However the most important aid to a diagnosis isthe description given by someone who witnessed the seizure. If possiblethe person should write down what they saw. Taking the witness to theappointment with the specialist is also helpful.
Single seizures:
Many people have a single seizure in their life this would not beclassed as epilepsy. The reason for a first seizure occurring shouldalways be investigated.
Referral to the epilepsy service:
The epilepsy service for Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray is basedat Aberdeen Royal infirmary. We have doctors and nurses specialisingin the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. The service based inAberdeen also serves Orkney and Shetland.
Patients are referred by their GP (family doctor) to the neurologist(a doctor who specialises in some medical conditions including epilepsy).Patients admitted to hospital with seizures may be referred to theepilepsy service by the hospital doctor.
Referral to the Epilepsy nurse service is only via the Neurology team.
Neurologists and epilepsy nurses are unable to take direct referralsfrom patients and their families.
Specialist services available:
- First seizure clinic
- Epilepsy review clinic
- Nurse led epilepsy clinic
- Combined Epilepsy Genetic and Obstetric clinic
- Transition clinic for young people
- Telemedicine clinics
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Brain imaging (brain scans) MRI, CT
- Videotelemetry
- Neuropsychology
- Neuropsychiatry
- Referral to epilepsy surgery centres
- Referral out with Grampian for residential assessment
- Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service (Community based)
Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service:
Quarriers is a registered charity working closely with NHSGrampian. Epilepsy Fieldworkers offer information and supportto people of all ages who have epilepsy and their familiesand carers.
Local Fieldwork contacts:
- Aberdeen City: 01224 566385
- Aberdeenshire Central & South: 01358 721234
- Aberdeenshire North: 01779482463
- Moray: 01309 675900
Links:
For further information on epilepsy and services available pleaseclick on to the links provided.
Epilepsy Action
Epilepsy Scotland
Quarriers
NHS inform
The Tea Room (young people aged 13 to 19years)