What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures — sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures take many forms, from brief absences or unusual sensations to convulsions with loss of consciousness. Epilepsy affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK and can begin at any age, with peaks in childhood and in later life.
Diagnosis is made by a neurologist or epilepsy specialist, based primarily on a detailed description of the events — eyewitness accounts and smartphone videos are extremely helpful. Tests usually include an EEG (recording the brain's electrical activity) and an MRI brain scan to look for an underlying structural cause. Getting the diagnosis and seizure classification right matters, because it guides the choice of medication.
Common symptoms
- Convulsive seizures with stiffening and jerking
- Brief blank spells or 'absences'
- Unusual sensations, smells or déjà vu before a seizure
- Loss of awareness with lip-smacking or fiddling movements
- Confusion or exhaustion after an episode
- Tongue-biting or incontinence during events
How long will you wait?
Suspected first seizures should be seen urgently, but routine NHS neurology follow-up and specialist epilepsy clinic waits of four to eight months are common in many regions.
Privately, a consultant neurologist appointment is typically available within 3–7 days, with EEG and MRI usually arranged within 1–2 weeks.
NHS England median referral-to-treatment wait: 12.4 weeks, with 2.5 million people waiting over 18 weeks (May 2026). Individual waits vary by trust and urgency.
Treatment options
- Anti-seizure medication. Daily medicines such as lamotrigine or levetiracetam, which fully control seizures in around two-thirds of people.
- Specialist medication review. Adjusting drugs or combinations when seizures persist, balancing control against side effects.
- Epilepsy surgery. For carefully selected drug-resistant cases where seizures arise from one operable area of the brain.
- Vagus nerve stimulation. An implanted device that can reduce seizure frequency when medication alone is insufficient.
What does private treatment cost?
As a guide, a private neurology consultation costs around £250–£350, an EEG around £300–£500, and an MRI brain scan around £400–£700.
Does health insurance cover epilepsy?
Private medical insurance typically covers the investigation and diagnosis of suspected seizures, including consultations, EEG and MRI. Established epilepsy is usually classed as a chronic condition, so ongoing management, routine reviews and long-term medication generally fall outside cover, though acute complications may be covered. If you developed epilepsy before taking out a policy, it will normally be excluded as a pre-existing condition.
Frequently asked questions
Does one seizure mean I have epilepsy?
No. Around 1 in 20 people have a single seizure at some point, and epilepsy is only diagnosed when there is a tendency to recurrent unprovoked seizures, or a single seizure plus test results suggesting a high risk of recurrence. That is why specialist assessment, an EEG and often an MRI are arranged after a first event.
Can I drive with epilepsy?
You must stop driving and inform the DVLA after any seizure. For a car licence you can usually reapply after being seizure-free for 12 months, or after six months following a single seizure with normal tests, at the DVLA's discretion. Rules for lorries and buses are much stricter. Your specialist can advise on your individual situation.
Will I need medication for life?
Not necessarily. If you have been seizure-free for several years, your specialist may discuss a gradual, supervised withdrawal of medication, weighing the risk of recurrence against side effects and the practical consequences — particularly for driving — of a seizure returning. Some epilepsy syndromes do need lifelong treatment, so this is always an individual decision.
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