Specialist Services

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition, impacting 456,000 people in the UK alone.

Epilepsy presents in as many as 50 different conditions. It is diagnosed when a person has repeated seizures (or ‘fits’, as they’re sometimes known). It is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

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.

But it’s an inadequate term really, simply because it’s so broad. To be given a diagnosis of epilepsy means that the person in question has experienced a number of seizures. It doesn’t explain why, and it doesn’t give a likely prognosis.

Everyone’s epilepsy is unique and may 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 encounter all kinds of risks in day to day life. Seizures can lead to damaging falls when out and about, or to drowning when having a bath. Extended seizures, lasting more than 30 minutes, are described as status epilepticus, and can be life-threatening unless treated appropriately. 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 and care for all people with epilepsy.

At Independence Homes we have the knowledge, staff and the experience to provide a specialised programme of care for our service users. Risk can never be eliminated completely – but it can be dramatically reduced.