Who will I see about my epilepsy?

If you have just been diagnosed with epilepsy, you may see different people to help you manage your epilepsy. This might include a neurologist, an epilepsy specialist nurse and your GP.

Neurologist

During your diagnosis you will probably have seen a neurologist. Some neurologists specialise in epilepsy. It is the neurologist who will generally diagnose epilepsy, and prescribe and start any treatment, such as medication. You might continue to see a neurologist while trying to get your seizures controlled, and you might also have ongoing regular reviews of your epilepsy with a neurologist.

NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) produces clinical guidelines and sets standards for healthcare. NICE recommends that anyone who has a seizure is seen urgently (within two weeks) by a specialist (with training and expertise in epilepsy, such as a neurologist) to make a diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment. Find out more about this recommendation in the Epilepsy Charter.

Epilepsy specialist nurse

Alongside the neurologist, you might see an epilepsy specialist nurse. The specialist nurse is often a good link between you, the neurologist and your GP. Specialist nurses might be involved in your treatment, and they may support you in other ways, such as talking to you about your epilepsy and how you are getting on.

GP

Your GP might also be involved in your epilepsy management. They are usually responsible for prescribing any ongoing treatment, and they might be the first person you go to if you have any questions or concerns. Some GPs have a specialist interest in epilepsy.

Other health and social care professionals

You may also see other people in relation to your epilepsy, depending on how things are for you. This could include an occupational therapist, community nurse or social worker.

Information produced: June 2022