Patient quote
"With much appreciation for your exceptional care and attention once again" Mr & Mrs BR
Useful websites
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National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE)
Helpline: (01342 832243)
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National Society for Epilepsy
(local rate) helpline: 01494 601 400
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Epilepsy Action: (British Epilepsy Association)
Freephone helpline: 0808 800 50 50
Jargon buster
EEG (electroencephalogram)
A special test that shows brain activity as cells send messages (electrical signals) to each other. The EEG test involves the attachment of electrodes (flat metal discs) to either side of the scalp which record brain waves sending them to the EEG machine where can be shown on a monitor. Find out more about this test at the Brain and Spine Foundation.
View the full jargon busterNeurosciences
Epilepsy Service
Contact: (0191) 256 3995 - Penny Burt, Epilepsy Nurse Specialist
The regional Epilepsy Service is based in the Regional Neurosciences Centre at the Newcastle General Hospital and is run by doctors and nurses with a special interest and expertise in epilepsy and in helping you to manage your condition. Patients are referred to us by their GPs or through the general neurology service once a diagnosis has been made.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common condition with about one in every 130 people in the UK developing it to some extent at some point in their life. It is defined as a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures, or sudden disturbances of electrical activity in the brain. There are many causes of epilepsy and special tests are often needed to find out why you have developed it and to decide what the best treatment is for you. Fortunately, in the majority of cases epilepsy can be controlled by taking anti-epileptic drugs, known as AEDs, regularly.
Advanced technology and clinical expertise
We see people with all stages of epilepsy and provide a range of specialist investigations to help understand why you have developed the condition and how best to control your symptoms. These include:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) - this measures the electrical activity of the brain and helps to diagnose the type of epilepsy someone has.
- Computerised Tomography scan (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - these scans can help to identify any abnormality in the brain.
Specialist care and support where and when you need it
Our team includes an Epilepsy Specialist Nurse who can provide support and advice to help you and your family manage your symptoms and administer your own medication, so that you can carry on with normal daily life. Our Epilepsy Nurse runs special clinics where you can discuss any concerns you may have and there is also a dedicated telephone helpline which you can use.
We are committed to working closely with rehabilitation services in the community to ensure that people with complex neurological conditions get all the support and care they need to lead as normal a life as possible.
Contact us
If you'd like to find out more about our Epilepsy Service please don't hesitate to contact:
Penny Burt
Epilepsy Nurse Specialist
Telephone: (0191) 256 3995
