What is epilepsy?
Our brain is a maze of very complex circuits: each cell uses actual electricity to release small molecules for communication!
A seizure happens when either the electrical or the chemical communication is disrupted.
When the abnormal activity happens in the brain as a whole, the epilepsy is called generalised, but if it starts in a specific part of the brain it is called focal.
How we can help
In most cases, medications succeed in controlling seizures.
Some people continue to have seizures despite the standard treatments (Drug-resistant Epilepsy, DRE). In these cases, we can often identify the problem by running an in-depth evaluation with complex investigations and tests. Eventually, we would be able to offer a personalised treatment, which may include surgery.
The aim is to get the seizures mitigated, controlled or even make them disappear.
What do we do for understanding your type of epilepsy?
After your referral is checked and accepted, you will get to know your neurologist with an initial visit with clinical examination and assessment of seizures features.
- Initial tests include high resolution imaging and video EEG. Neuropsychology and Neuropsychiatry assessments may also happen at this stage.
- If the source of epilepsy cannot be found with these preliminary investigations, CT PET / SPECT / MEG / ESI analysis may be required.
- If the full picture is still unclear, further clarification can come from the implantation of depth electrodes (stereo-EEG +/- Radio-Frequency-Thermo-Coagulation)
The diagnostic process may be lengthy, and may require multiple visits or hospital admissions. We try to arrange as many of the test together as possible to prevent multiple journeys.