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Science
CHECK UP
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PROGRAMME INFO
Thursday 15:00-15:30
Check Up is your chance to talk to doctors about the health issues that most concern you and your family. Each week Barbara Myers is joined by a medical expert to take your calls and emails on a particular topic and give you the most up to date advice. No appointment necessary.
Call 0870 010 0444
Contact Check Up
LISTEN AGAINListenÌý30 min
Listen toÌý25ÌýNovember
PRESENTER
BARBARA MYERS
Barbara Myers
PROGRAMME DETAILS
ThursdayÌý25ÌýNovemberÌý2004
Epilepsy
Epilepsy test

Full programme transcriptÌý>>

Epilepsy


Approximately 1 in every 200 people in the UK is diagnosed with epilepsy making it the most common, serious neurological condition. It can start at any age but is common in childhood and later life.

In this week’s Check UpÌý Barbara Myers is joined by Dr Hannah Cock - Neurologist at St Georges Hospital in London -Ìý to answer your questions about epilepsy and seizures.

What is epilepsy?
Many people will have a single seizure – sometimes called a ‘fit’ - at some time in their lives. These may be triggered by high temperatures or head injuries, but do not mean that they have epilepsy. A person with epilepsy will have recurrent seizures. These are a disturbance in the normal electrical activity of the brain. Many seizures are short and may only be noticed by the person with epilepsy.

No cure but drugs help
Although there is no cure for the condition, around three quarters of people with epilepsy can have their symptoms controlled with drugs like sodium valproate and carbamazepine. The appropriate drug and dosage will be prescribed by your doctor.

Pregnancy
Recent research suggests that if sodium valproate is taken by pregnant women the child may have developmental problems. Certain drugs may also reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. However, it is important that you do not stop taking medication without seeking medical advice.

Contact the Programme
If you have a question on epilepsy or seizures, on diagnosis, the risks of taking anti-epileptic drugs or on other treatments, contact Check Up where Barbara Myers will be putting your questions and comments to Dr. Cock.

Contact us by calling 0870 010 0444 from 1.30pm - 3.30pm on the day of broadcast or by emailing the programme - see 'Contact Check Up' link above.

Next Week
Next week's topic is: Memory

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