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In short: Good epilepsy awareness training covers seizure recognition across the main seizure types, seizure first aid, unambiguous criteria for calling 999, how to follow an individual support plan, and accurate recording. Awareness training alone does not make anyone competent to give rescue medication such as buccal midazolam: that requires named staff, practical training and…

Category: Education

Carbamazepine, commonly prescribed as Tegretol (amongst other brand names), is a long-established anti-seizure medication (ASM). It is effective for many people, but it interacts with a number of other medicines and has a few serious reactions worth understanding. This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for advice from a prescriber, pharmacist or…

Category: Treatments

Lamotrigine, commonly prescribed under the brand name Lamictal (amongst other brand names), is one of the most widely used anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in the UK. It is often chosen because many people tolerate it well, but like any ASM it can cause side effects, and there are a small number of serious reactions that everyone…

Category: Treatments

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