First Seizures and Epilepsy

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Remind patient to bring all prescription medications with them, and ideally a witness (or witness be accessible by phone).
4. 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