In Scotland 58,000 people are affected by epilepsy. Children and older people are most at risk of developing this common serious neurological condition but anyone can develop epilepsy at any time, and eight people a day in Scotland do.

Myself and my amazing team at the RHCYP Edinburgh look after approx 1500 children within Edinburgh and the Lothian’s who have the diagnosis of epilepsy. Our patients include newborn babies up to young adults age 18.

Despite Epilepsy being the most common neurological condition there is still a lot of stigma surrounding it. Many people are not aware of how serious it can be and how much of an impact it can have on children and families. 

Epilepsy Scotland are an amazing charity who I work very closely with. They help provide our team with written information for all our newly diagnosed patients and they run a youth group that many of my patients attend. This youth group is invaluable- many young people struggle with their diagnosis and feel very isolated. The youth groups help bring young people together, help them feel like they are not alone and help build confidence in living with a chronic condition. I have seen many young people develop lasting friendships through this group and really flourish.