Specialist services

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition, impacting 600,000 people in the UK alone. It's diagnosed when a person has repeated seizures and is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It presents in as many as 50 different conditions. To be given a diagnosis of epilepsy means that the individual has experienced a number of seizures. In order for a person to be investigated they need to have 2 or more seizures.

It is the most common, serious neurological condition and is a major long-term disability. Many of the world’s leading epilepsy specialists are based in the UK. Unfortunately however, very few GPs have the time to fully understand epilepsy and there are few consultant neurologists specialising in epilepsy. This lack of specialists means that, whilst 70% of people with epilepsy should have their seizures controlled, many are receiving unsatisfactory care.

Everyone’s epilepsy is unique and will impact their lives in different and unpredictable ways. All of our service users have epilepsy. Our experience in this field makes us one of the few specialist providers of care and support to people with epilepsy.

People with epilepsy are exposed to all kinds of daily risks. Seizures can lead to morbidity and mortality due to falls or to drowning in a bath. Generalised seizures, lasting more than 30 minutes, are described as status epilepticus, and can be life-threatening unless treated early and in time. We are able to minimise the risk by providing appropriate support at all times.

Although comparatively rare, SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) is the most common cause of seizure related mortality in people with chronic epilepsy. The National Sentinel Clinical Audit of Epilepsy-Related Death, published in 2002, estimated that 39% of cases of SUDEP in adults were avoidable – highlighting the need for specialist treatment, waking night care and care for all people with epilepsy.

We have the knowledge, experience and staff (including a medical team) to provide a specialised programme of care for our service users. Risk can never be eliminated completely – but it can be dramatically reduced.

We can't guarantee that a service user's epilepsy will improve. However we can ensure that individuals gain access to the best possible care and that every effort is made to reduce or eliminate seizures.

Reduction in seizures - our survey shows amazing results! view the survey