Does GP consultation treat epilepsy?

Epilepsy involves a tendency to have recurrent seizures, but a single blackout or unusual movement can have other causes. A GP will ask what happened before, during and after the event, whether anyone saw it, and about sleep, alcohol, illness, head injury and medicines. They may check your nervous system and arrange tests or referral to a neurologist. If epilepsy is already diagnosed, the GP can review adherence, side effects, prescriptions and safety concerns while specialist care remains part of the plan.

Record the event as soon as possible, including warning sensations, movements, awareness, breathing, injuries and recovery. Ask a witness to describe what they saw; a safe video can help if one already exists, but never delay help to record an episode. Take medicines exactly as prescribed and do not stop an anti-seizure medicine suddenly. At a GP appointment, bring your medicine list and information about missed doses, sleep and recent illness. Learn more about the appointment through [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).

Call emergency services if a seizure lasts longer than usual, repeats without recovery, causes serious injury, happens in water, affects breathing, or occurs during pregnancy. Get urgent assessment after a first suspected seizure, a new severe headache, weakness on one side, confusion that does not clear, or a head injury. Keep the person safe, cushion the head, turn them on their side when possible and never put anything in their mouth.

Ask what information should be recorded, whether you need neurological referral or testing, how to handle a missed dose, which activities need precautions, and what your household should do during a seizure.