Epilepsy and Seizures
About one in twenty people will have a seizure in their lifetime. Seizures can cause serious injury or death and repeated seizures (known as epilepsy) have life-changing implications for work, family life and driving. With prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment, the majority of people with epilepsy will have no further seizures.
What it is
A diagnosis of epilepsy requires two unprovoked seizures, or one seizure with a high risk of recurrence on EEG or imaging. The 2017 ILAE classification distinguishes focal, generalised and unknown-onset seizures, with treatment chosen accordingly.
When this is relevant
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizure with tongue-biting, incontinence, post-event confusion.
- Focal seizures - aura, déjà vu, lip-smacking, automatisms, post-event confusion.
- Absence seizures - brief loss of awareness, no warning, particularly in young people.
- Established epilepsy with breakthrough seizures or treatment side-effects.
- A single unprovoked seizure - structured workup before deciding on treatment.
How we investigate
Detailed history with witness account, 12-lead ECG (always - to exclude convulsive syncope), MRI brain (epilepsy protocol), sleep-deprived EEG, bloods including electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, glucose. Genetic testing in selected cases.
Options at The Vesey
- First-line anti-seizure medication selected by seizure type (lamotrigine, levetiracetam, sodium valproate where appropriate, carbamazepine, zonisamide).
- Women's epilepsy clinic - pregnancy planning, contraception interactions, breastfeeding-safe regimens.
- Refractory epilepsy escalation - second / third-line agents, surgical workup referral.
- Driving and SUDEP counselling at every visit with documented DVLA advice.
- Long-term review every 6-12 months with structured medication tolerability check.
What is the difference between a seizure and a faint? +
Faints (vasovagal syncope) and seizures can look similar. Faints have a warning (nausea, grey-out) and recovery is rapid. Seizures may have post-event confusion, tongue biting or incontinence. A structured history, ECG and EEG help distinguish them.
Can I drive after a first seizure? +
DVLA requires you to stop driving after a first unprovoked seizure, usually for 6 months. Your consultant will document the advice given. Notifying DVLA yourself is a legal requirement.
Do I need medication after a first seizure? +
Not always. Treatment depends on EEG and MRI results, seizure type, lifestyle risk and individual preference. We discuss the evidence for and against starting medication at the initial consultation.
What triggers seizures? +
Common triggers include sleep deprivation, alcohol, flashing lights (in photosensitive epilepsy), fever, missed medication and stress. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is a key part of ongoing management.
Pricing at a glance
Initial neurology consultation £260 (60 min) · MRI brain epilepsy protocol £550 · Sleep-deprived EEG £390. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to book
Book after any first seizure, for breakthrough seizures on treatment, for pre-conception planning, or for a structured second opinion.
Cost and pathway
Initial neurology consultation £260 (60-minute slot). MRI brain (epilepsy protocol) £550. Sleep-deprived EEG via partner £390.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our 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