Epilepsy

Epilepsy varies a lot. Some young people may completely stop having seizures, some will have seizures well controlled with medication and others will have frequent and complex seizures.

If you need support in adulthood you will be invited to a transition appointment before your 18th birthday. This will be at the location where you are usually seen. The appointment would be with your paediatric epilepsy nurse alongside a nurse who supports adults with epilepsy. At this appointment everyone will have a chance to get know each other before the transfer to adult services.

The nurse who supports adults with epilepsy will help you keep yourself healthy by talking about:

  • your epilepsy condition
  • medication
  • moving away from home (such as going to university)
  • moving into a job

The nurse will also encourage you to become more independent in managing your condition.

Transition plan

Your transition plan might be one of these:

  1. seizures well controlled so you’ll be supported by your GP only
  2.  seizures well controlled but you might be changing medication or want support in managing your epilepsy, so you will be supported by an adult epilepsy nurse and your GP
  3. seizures not yet controlled, so you will be supported by an adult epilepsy nurse and your GP.

Contraceptive (birth control) or planning to start a family

Important

If you are using or planning to use contraceptive (birth control) or planning to start a family, please talk to your epilepsy specialist about the safest options for you. As with some other medical conditions there is a very small risk of sudden death sometimes called SUDEP.

Research shows that taking medication and following the lifestyles recommendations agreed with your epilepsy specialist will reduce this small risk.

Patients moving to a neighbouring hospital for their adult care may find the transition process is different. Please discuss this with those currently providing your care.