Epilepsy Specialist Perth

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can start at any age that causes reoccurring, sudden, unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy attacks happen as a result of abnormal electrical brain activity. These seizures can make you move or behave strangely, have convulsions or pass out.

Different types of epilepsy seizures:

• Seizures lasting for a few seconds or minutes. People with grand mal” or “tonic-clonic” seizures will suddenly pass out, get stiff, and have jerking movements.
• Other types of seizures cause less dramatic symptoms, such as shaking movements in one part of the body. Others can suddenly stop responding and stare for a few seconds.

Some people can tell they are about to have a seizure by a feeling or smell called an “aura.”

Triggers and Causes

In many cases, the exact cause of a person’s epilepsy is never identified. Where a cause can be found, it may include:

• A genetic tendency inherited from family members
• Head injury or trauma
• Stroke or other cerebrovascular conditions
• Brain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Developmental or structural brain conditions present from birth
• Brain tumours

Even once epilepsy is diagnosed, certain factors can make a seizure more likely to happen. Common triggers include missed medication doses, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and flashing or flickering lights. Keeping track of your own triggers, alongside a regular sleep schedule and consistent medication routine, is one of the most effective ways to reduce how often seizures occur.

Common Symptoms and Effects

Seizures themselves vary widely, but epilepsy can also affect daily life in ways that go beyond the seizures. People living with epilepsy may experience fatigue, memory or concentration difficulties, and changes in mood, particularly if seizures are frequent or poorly controlled. There can also be a practical impact, such as restrictions on driving, which is why an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan matter so much.

Living Well with Epilepsy

Alongside medication, a few practical steps can help keep you safe day to day. It’s a good idea to wear a medical alert bracelet, so that if a seizure happens in public, those around you know to help appropriately and call for assistance if needed. If you’re planning a pregnancy, speak to your neurologist well in advance, as some anti-seizure medications may need to be adjusted and folic acid supplementation is often recommended to reduce risk to the baby.

Why Get Treatment

Untreated or poorly controlled epilepsy carries real risks, including injury during a seizure, disruption to work and daily activities, and in some cases, more serious complications. Getting an accurate diagnosis and starting the right treatment can significantly reduce how often seizures happen, and for many people, stop them altogether. Effective treatment also means less uncertainty day to day, and greater confidence to keep driving, working, and doing the things you enjoy.

Treatment Options

Anti-seizure medication is the main treatment for epilepsy. These medicines work by calming the electrical activity in the brain, and whilst they can’t cure epilepsy, they’re highly effective at preventing seizures for most people. Finding the right medication, and the right dose, can take some adjustment, which is why ongoing review with a neurologist is so important.

Never stop or adjust your anti-seizure medication on your own. If you’ve had a long seizure-free period, you can talk to your doctor about whether reducing or stopping medication is appropriate, but this needs to be done under medical guidance rather than decided independently. You will probably need to be seizure-free for some time before driving again. You might also need your doctor’s permission. Always talk with your doctor before you start to try and get pregnant. They might change your anti-seizure medicine or folic acid. You should wear a medical bracelet to let others know about your epilepsy.

For people whose seizures don’t respond well to medication, other options may be considered, including dietary therapy, specific devices, or surgical treatment in some cases. Your neurologist will talk you through which options are appropriate based on your individual diagnosis.

Testing For Epilepsy

There are two tests for Epilepsy.

• EEG/Electroencephalogram Test – Measuring the electrical activity in the brain.
• CT or MRI scan – Creates images of the brain.

Getting a Referral

To see one of our neurologists, you’ll need a referral from your GP or another specialist. If you or someone in your care has had a suspected seizure, speak to your GP as soon as possible, as an early referral means an earlier diagnosis and a faster start to treatment. Once we receive your referral, our team will be in touch to arrange your first appointment.

Our Team

Dr Darshan Ghia, Dr Twinkle Ghia, and Dr Najm Khan have years of experience in the evaluation of epilepsy for both children and adults.

Additional Information About Epilepsy

What is a Neurologist, and Why See One?

A neurologist is a doctor who specialises in conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. For epilepsy, this expertise matters because an accurate diagnosis depends on correctly identifying the type of seizure and its underlying cause, which in turn determines the most effective treatment. Neurologists also manage the ongoing side of epilepsy care, including medication adjustments and monitoring for any changes in your condition over time.

FAQs

Need An Appotinment?

The doctors at Clinical Neurology Services have years of experience in the management of adult and paediatric epilepsy. We also provide EEG services in our practice. We can facilitate the transition of care from Paediatric to Adult Neurologist for the management of Epilepsy.