
Identifying epilepsy in primary care with Dr Fergus Rugg-Gunn
<p>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’.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Common comorbidities associated with epilepsy, side-effects of anti-seizure medications, and potential drug interactions also reviewed in this episode.</p><br><p><strong>Educational objectives</strong></p><br><p>After listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be more aware of:</p><ul><li>The prevalence of epilepsy in different age groups and how incidence is changing</li><li>Symptoms and signs that indicate epilepsy</li><li>The common seizure mimics, such as syncope, that can be confused with epilepsy</li><li>How taking a thorough patient history can help determine whether referral to an epilepsy specialist, or another specialist, is warranted</li><li>Why providing information on safety (for example around driving) is important for people with epilepsy</li><li>The potential side-effects of anti-seizure medications</li><li>The potential interactions between anti-seizure medications and other drugs</li></ul><p><br></p><p>You can access the <a href="https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/podcast-identifying-epilepsy-in-primary-care-with-dr-fergus-rugg-gunn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website version</a> 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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p><strong>MIMS Learning</strong></p><p><u><a href="https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/practice-on-a-page-epilepsy-in-pregnancy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Practice on a page: epilepsy in pregnancy</a></u></p><p><u><a href="https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/loss-of-consciousness-red-flag-symptoms-audiovisual" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Loss of consciousness - red flag symptoms (audiovisual)</a></u></p><br><p><strong>Epilepsy Society</strong></p><p><u><a href="https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/understanding-epilepsy/info-for-professionals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Information for professionals</a></u></p><p><u><a href="https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/living-epilepsy/driving-and-epilepsy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Driving and epilepsy</a></u></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>











