Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms. Epilepsy can start at any age, but usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60. It's often lifelong, but can sometimes get slowly better over time. Symptoms of epil
What it is
A diagnosis of epilepsy requires at least two unprovoked seizures, or a single seizure with a high risk of recurrence on EEG or imaging. Classification is by seizure type (focal / generalised / unknown), by underlying syndrome (e.g. juvenile myoclonic epilepsy), and by aetiology (structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune, unknown). Each axis influences treatment.
Symptoms and signs
- Episodes of loss of awareness with staring, automatisms, or post-event confusion (focal impaired awareness seizures).
- Generalised convulsive seizures with tongue-biting, incontinence, post-ictal confusion.
- Brief myoclonic jerks particularly in the morning (juvenile myoclonic epilepsy).
- Established epilepsy with breakthrough seizures, side-effects, or pregnancy-planning need.
- A single first seizure — formal assessment and EEG / MRI required.
How we investigate
Witnessed history, neurological examination, 12-lead ECG, MRI brain with epilepsy protocol, sleep-deprived EEG, video-EEG telemetry where required. Genetic and antibody panels in selected cases. Pregnancy-planning pre-conception consultation for women of childbearing age.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- First-line anti-seizure medication — selected by seizure type (lamotrigine, levetiracetam, sodium valproate where appropriate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide).
- Refractory epilepsy escalation — second and third-line agents (perampanel, brivaracetam, lacosamide, cenobamate), structured assessment for surgical candidacy.
- Women's epilepsy clinic — pregnancy planning, contraception interactions, breastfeeding-safe regimens, valproate-free pathway.
- Refractory epilepsy referral — direct pathway to comprehensive epilepsy surgery centres, vagal nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet assessment.
- Driving, lifestyle and SUDEP counselling — DVLA requirements explicitly discussed and documented every visit.
Can epilepsy be cured? +
Some epilepsy syndromes in children resolve with age. In adults, surgery can be curative for selected focal epilepsies. Most people require long-term anti-seizure medication to remain seizure-free.
When can I drive again after a seizure? +
DVLA rules require you to stop driving after a seizure — typically 6–12 months seizure-free before restarting, depending on seizure type. Your consultant will advise based on your individual circumstances, and this is documented at every visit.
Are anti-seizure medications safe in pregnancy? +
Valproate is contraindicated in women of childbearing age without a pregnancy prevention programme. Lamotrigine and levetiracetam are preferred in pregnancy. Pre-conception planning with your neurologist is strongly recommended.
What is SUDEP? +
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is rare but a real risk, particularly in people with uncontrolled convulsive seizures. Good seizure control, medication compliance and supervised sleep reduce risk. We discuss SUDEP at every annual review.
Pricing at a glance
Initial neurology consultation £290 (60 min) · MRI brain epilepsy protocol from £550 · Sleep-deprived EEG from £390 · Follow-up reviews £190. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book if you have had a first seizure, breakthrough seizures on treatment, are planning pregnancy, want a second opinion on diagnosis, or want to review whether your treatment is still optimal.
Cost and pathway
Initial neurology consultation £290 (60 minutes). MRI brain (epilepsy protocol) from £550. Sleep-deprived EEG via partner from £390. Follow-up reviews £190.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our consultant neurology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727