A key message about epilepsy for GPs, according to Dr Fergus Rugg-Gunn, is that the condition is increasingly a condition of advancing age and distinguishing epilepsy from other conditions is even more challenging in older age groups because there are ‘many other potential health issues that could mimic seizures’.

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, Dr Rugg-Gunn speaks to Dawn Liz Powell about how taking a thorough patient history can help determine when symptoms may indicate epilepsy and when they may indicate another condition (such as syncope). He also discusses how to support a patient with a suspected diagnosis of epilepsy and how to support them after a diagnosis.

Common comorbidities associated with epilepsy, side-effects of anti-seizure medications, and potential drug interactions also reviewed in this episode.

Educational objectives

After listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be more aware of:

• The prevalence of epilepsy in different age groups and how incidence is changing
• Symptoms and signs that indicate epilepsy
• The common seizure mimics, such as syncope, that can be confused with epilepsy
• How taking a thorough patient history can help determine whether referral to an epilepsy specialist, or another specialist, is warranted
• Why providing information on safety (for example around driving) is important for people with epilepsy
• The potential side-effects of anti-seizure medications
• The potential interactions between anti-seizure medications and other drugs

You can access the website version of this podcast, along with key learning points, on MIMS Learning. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser and note-taking for appraisal.

Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.

MIMS Learning

Practice on a page: epilepsy in pregnancy

Loss of consciousness - red flag symptoms (audiovisual)

Epilepsy Society

Information for professionals

Driving and epilepsy

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