Epilepsy

The aim of this focal point is to develop your skills and confidence in using a person-centred approach to help manage the risks associated with valproate.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:

• describe your role in supporting people prescribed valproate
• initiate a conversation about the risks of valproate use in pregnancy and the need for effective contraception
• apply the principles of person-centred care and shared decision making in consultations with people prescribed valproate
• accurately document details of consultations in clinical records to improve continuity of care across the integrated care system
• create a signposting resource/portfolio to use in your practice.

This guide is for pharmacists working in registered pharmacy premises in the UK, co-produced by Epilepsy Society and Medway School of Pharmacy. It includes information about treatment, seizure types and points to cover with patients taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).

This free epilepsy training course aims to raise awareness about epilepsy and the management of seizures. It looks at the different types of seizure, how they are diagnosed as well as some of the treatments available.

Please note that access requires registration

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing epilepsy in children, young people and adults in primary and secondary care, and referral to tertiary services. It aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for different seizure types and epilepsy syndromes, and reduce the risks for people with epilepsy.

This quality standard covers diagnosing, treating and managing epilepsy and seizures in adults (aged 18 and older). It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement.

This quality standard covers diagnosing, treating and managing epilepsy and seizures in children and young people (under 18). It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement.

This decision support tool is for women, girls and anyone who could become pregnant, aged between 12 - 55, considering or taking valproate for epilepsy. It has been produced as part of an NHS-wide effort to reduce the use of valproate in people who can get pregnant, and to help those that do continue with valproate to prevent pregnancies.

Information about the risks of taking valproate medicines during pregnancy.

Children born to women who take valproate during pregnancy are at significant risk of birth defects and persistent developmental disorders. As such, it is vital that women and girls are dispensed valproate safely. The GPhC is reminding all pharmacy professionals of what they must do to ensure women and girls receive the right information about valproate and the risk of birth defects.

Men taking valproate and their partners are being advised to use effective contraception because of new data suggesting a potential small increased risk of harm to children if valproate is used by a father at conception. 

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have published a Drug Safety Update, which includes information and advice for healthcare professionals and patients.

An overview of commonly used anti-seizure medicines as well as guidance on their initiation, adding on and withdrawal.

Epilepsy Action Learning has a range of online courses and learning resources to help you understand more about epilepsy.

Courses contain information, learning activities, videos and more.

Please note that access requires registration.

This session is aimed at more experienced users and will give you an understanding of childhood epilepsies and epilepsy care, so you will have the knowledge and confidence to make a positive difference to a child living with the condition and understand your role in the child’s ongoing care.