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Sodium valproate, commonly prescribed as Epilim (amongst other brand names), is one of the most effective anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for certain seizure types. It is also the ASM with the most significant safety requirements in the UK, particularly around pregnancy, and these have been updated recently. This guide explains the side effects and the current…

Category: Treatments

Early years settings have a duty to keep children with epilepsy safe and included. In England, the EYFS framework sets the welfare standards. Good practice means an individual healthcare plan for the child, a clear medicines procedure, paediatric first aid, and staff trained to recognise and respond to seizures. Why early years settings need to…

Category: Advice, Education

Topiramate, commonly prescribed by the brand name Topamax (amongst other brand names), is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) used to help control seizures and to prevent migraine. It can be very effective, but it has a distinctive side-effect profile and important safety measures around pregnancy that everyone taking it should understand. This guide is general information…

Category: Treatments

A febrile convulsion (also called a febrile seizure) is a seizure that can happen when a young child has a high temperature. Most are not serious, last under five minutes and cause no lasting harm. Keep your child safe, time the seizure, and call 999 if it is their first one, if it lasts more…

Category: Uncategorised

Levetiracetam (brand names Keppra and Desitrend) is a widely used anti-seizure medication (ASM). Common side effects include drowsiness, headaches, a blocked nose, feeling sick, and mood or behaviour changes such as irritability. Most ease as the body adjusts. This article is general information, not medical advice: speak to your prescriber about any concerns, and never…

Category: Treatments

Sleep onset seizures are seizures that happen during sleep. They can be hard to spot, so the signs are often noticed in the morning. Because seizures in sleep may go unwitnessed, they carry added risk and are linked to SUDEP, so good seizure control, a safe sleep set-up and, where appropriate, a monitor or alarm…

Category: Advice, Seizures