Services
Epilepsy Nurse Specialist Service:
- 0131 312 0717 (voicemail)
- epilepsynurseservice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
National Society for Epilepsy Helpline:
- Monday-Fri 10am-4pm 01494 601 400
Chronic Epilepsy Clinic:
We offer an epilepsy clinic for patients with chronic epilepsy
First Seizures Clinic:
We see patients with suspected first seizure/new diagnosis of epilepsy within (ideally) two weeks of referral, in dedicated clinics run by neurologists with expertise in epilepsy and mimic.
S.M. & R.D. 18-08-20
First Seizure
Who to refer:
- Anyone in whom you suspect a possible first ever epileptic seizure or new diagnosis of epilepsy, and think would benefit from a specialist opinion regarding diagnosis, investigations and possible treatment.
- What tests should you do in advance: Ideally, FBC, urea and electrolytes, calcium, glucose, liver function tests and ECG
Who not to refer:
- Those who already have a diagnosis and you wish a further opinion regarding their condition. They should either referred back to the previously involved specialist or to DCN OP
How to refer:
When and Where:
Please use SCI-GW at RIE >> Neurology >> First seizure clinic
How to Access the Clinics:
- GP/doctor, OR secretary/receptionist, OR patient/carer telephone 0131 312 1552 (Monday-Friday 0900-1700) and request the next available First Seizure clinic appointment. If this defaults to voicemail leave a message, this is checked several times a day and the practice will be contacted. You will be given an appointment date/time on the phone. Please ensure this appt is made known to the patient; the short lead time means that letters of appt will not be sent out.
- Send referral letter via Gateway (1st seizure clinic) and include contact phone number for patient, and appt date/time. We will assume that step 1 has taken place.
- Remind patient to bring all prescription medications with them, and ideally a witness (or witness be accessible by phone).
- Provide advice where applicable regarding driving (www.gov.uk)
- Neurology-First seizure letter ED May 2020.pdf
- Fitness to Drive (gov.uk)
- Neurological Alliance
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)
- Epilepsy Society – www.epilepsysociety.org.uk
- Epilepsy.org – www.epilepsy.org.uk
- Epilepsy Scotland – www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk