Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition, defined as a tendency to have recurrent seizures (sometimes called ‘fits’). Seizures are caused by a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in messages passed between the brain cells. This disruption can cause messages to be mixed up or stopped.

What is experienced in a seizure will depend on where in the brain the epileptic activity begins and how widely and rapidly it spreads. For this reason there are many different types of seizures and each person will experience epilepsy in a way that is unique to them.

The Paediatric Epilepsy Service involves a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Epilepsy, Paediatric Epilepsy Specialist Nurse and Paediatric Neurologist.

We work in partnership with parents/carers, within a multi agency team for children and young people aged 0-19 years who have a diagnosis of epilepsy.

The service aims to:

• Establish a correct diagnosis, working in partnership with the Paediatric Neurologist

• Provide an ongoing epilepsy management plan including treatment

• To work in partnership with parents, children and young people at all times

• Offer support in the home environment

• Provide advice / information and counselling about epilepsy and treatments

• Provide Information on medication and side effects

• Provide nurse led clinics

• Provide information on safety / first aid and training on rescue medication

• Support in school (individualised care plans) and address any issue of concern (only with parental consent)

• Provide information on lifestyle issues

• Provide information about support groups and voluntary organisations

• Provide training and education to others involved in your care

Hope for Paediatric Epilepsy (HOPE) www.hopetameside.org.uk

Is a Support Group for Parents with children and young people who have epilepsy

The Benefits

• Mutual support through contact with other parents of children and young people with epilepsy

• Building relationships

• Sharing knowledge and information

• Gaining knowledge and information

• Building confidence

• Sharing difficult and challenging situations can be encouraging (knowing that you are not alone!)

• Opportunity to help other parents and families

• The chance to influent service provision for children and young people with epilepsy within Tameside

The support group is an informal meeting for parents and carers. We occasionally invite different agencies and speakers to talk to us about all topics around childhood epilepsies.