Epilepsy is a neurological condition which causes recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
If you think you or a loved one are showing symptoms of epilepsy, at UCLH Private Healthcare we have the expertise to undertake any necessary investigations, diagnose your epilepsy and, where required, treat your condition.
Diagnostic and epilepsy monitoring services
We have a wide range of diagnostic options for patients with suspected epilepsy, as well as monitoring services which will help us understand if your current treatment programme is still the most appropriate for you. These will all be overseen by our skilled clinical team who are all experts in neurological care.
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Electroencephalogram (EGG) testing: An EEG is a type of brain scan which can identify any unusual activity. We have a specially equipped room for video EEG recordings (also known as videotelemetry) which allows us to monitor these changes in real time. From the comfort of a private bedroom, we will observe your movements and to identify any seizures while monitoring your brain activity. The results of these recordings observations will be shared with our expert clinicians who will be able to make a diagnosis and create a suitable treatment plan for you. This service is usually delivered as a day case, but, if necessary, you can stay overnight in our specialist suite on The Bloomsbury Ward at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
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MRI scans: We can provide the highest resolution 3-Tesla MRI scans at both The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and The Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy. The scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create an image of your brain, which can help us to assess any unusual brain activity.
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Pre-surgical evaluations: We offer extensive assessments to patients who may benefit from epilepsy surgery. This service will help us to determine your suitability for surgery and what the potential outcome will be, so that you can make an informed choice about whether to proceed.
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Neurophysiological assessments: Our experts can offer detailed evaluations to diagnose and manage your epilepsy to ensure we are offering the most appropriate treatment strategies for your condition. Options include nerve conduction studies (measuring how fast and strong electrical signals travel through your nerves), electromyography ( a test records the electrical activity in your muscles) and EEG.
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Therapeutic drug monitoring: We can carefully monitor your response to medication under controlled conditions to ensure that your anti-epileptic medications are maintained at the optimal levels to control your seizures effectively.
Specialist expertise in complex pre-surgical epilepsy
At UCLH Private Healthcare, we can offer specialised services for individuals with complex epilepsy, including:
- Careful management of anti-siezure medication in patients who have not previously responded to medication
- Nerve stimulation options for patients where their epilepsy doesn’t improve with medication
- Supporting people with epilepsy who have learning, mental health, or behavioural difficulties, including those with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE)
Our team of expert consultants, including neurologists, neurophysiologists, and neuropsychologists work together to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Inpatient epilepsy care
If you need intensive evaluation or medication adjustments, inpatient care is available in The Bloomsbury Ward at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
This private ward with17 single en suite bedrooms is staffed 24 hours a day by a team who are all specialists in caring for patients with neurological conditions.
An overnight stay provides the opportunity to do some more in-depth monitoring before we offer diagnosis. It may also allow us to test medication changes in a controlled environment, reducing risks and optimising your treatment plan.
Supporting you with associated health concerns
People with epilepsy have a two- to five-times increased risk of developing mental health problems and a higher risk of cognitive problems, including language and memory difficulties. These associated problems can significantly impact on quality of life in people with epilepsy.
As well as providing clinical care, we also have consultants that can offer neuropsychological support at UCLH Private Healthcare, offering a holistic approach to your treatment. Our consultants can also provide connections to neuropsychiatrists if required.
At the cutting-edge of epilepsy research
We are one of the world’s largest epilepsy departments involved in clinical and experimental research.
Many of our consultants are part of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy (DCEE) at University College London (UCL) which focuses on identifying, understanding and correcting or preventing the underlying mechanisms leading to the epilepsies and its associated comorbidities.
We participate in research and advancements in neuroimaging, surgical techniques, and treatment options to make sure we continue to enhance epilepsy care, making access to the most up-to-date treatment options available to our patients.
