Medical appointments

    Fast facts

    1. 1
      After being diagnosed with epilepsy, you’re likely to have regular medical appointments, at least for a while
    2. 2
      Your appointments are an opportunity to ask questions and talk about any concerns
    3. 3
      You should have a review of your epilepsy at least once a year (more on this below)
    4. 4
      If you have seizure control and are 18 or over, it’s likely you will get discharged from neurology and be seen by your GP instead
    5. 5
      A seizure diary is a good way to provide lots of information about your epilepsy at appointments
    6. 6
      If you have an epilepsy specialist nurse (ESN) they can provide support between appointments
    Young woman in hospital sat talking to a nurse

    Top tips for appointments

    Teenage boy lying on a hospital bed

    Top tips for hospital admissions

     


     

    About epilepsy reviews

    You should have regular reviews of your epilepsy and treatment. This might be done by your GP, especially if you’re 18 or over and your epilepsy is well-controlled. But there are times when you should have your reviews with your epilepsy doctor, for example:

    Reviews should be at least once a year and for some young people they may be more often, if needed. Your review might be part of a routine appointment. If your doctor is asking how you are and how things are going, make the most of it.

    It is your chance to talk about any concerns you have and look at things like:

    1

    How often you are having seizures

    2

    How you are getting on with your treatment

    3

    Whether you have any side-effects

    4

    If you’re having any issues or difficulties

    5

    Any concerns you have about your wellbeing and an opportunity to talk about things that might help

    Read

    What should I ask?

    If you aren’t sure what to ask at your appointments – here’s some suggestions for questions to ask your doctor

     

    There are more ideas on the NHS website ‘What to ask your doctor‘ page

    Do something

    Have you got a record of the names and contact details of everyone involved in your care? If not make a note of them in your phone or somewhere where you can find them easily.

    Teenage girl talking to nurse at home

    More info

    There’s more on getting the right treatment and care for your epilepsy on the Epilepsy Action website

    Epilepsy Action
    Updated 12 May 2020
    Review 12 May 2023
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