Please note: The services described are accessible only through NHS referrals or for private patients. If you are interested in learning more, please consult your healthcare provider or enquire about private patient options.
For any parent, receiving a diagnosis of epilepsy for their child can feel overwhelming and terrifying. Mia knows this all too well. Her 21-month-old son, Harley, had his first seizure in her arms—a moment that forever changed their lives.
I thought he died in my arms.Mia, Harley's mum
That moment was the beginning of a challenging journey. Just two days after Harley’s first seizure, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and started on medication following an abnormal EEG at Young Epilepsy. But the early days were fraught with worry and sleepless nights. For Mia and her family, epilepsy was a word they never expected to be part of their lives, and the diagnosis brought with it a whole host of uncertainties.
The uncertainty didn’t stop with the diagnosis. Mia was constantly anxious about whether Harley’s medication was working, whether the next seizure was around the corner, and how their lives would be with this new reality. Living with a complex medical condition like epilepsy, especially with a young child, can be an isolating experience. Mia found herself looking for answers, support, and reassurance—but those didn’t always come easily in standard medical settings.
In the midst of this overwhelming situation, Mia knew she needed more than just medication for Harley; she needed a support system—a place where she could get quick answers, feel understood, and receive personalised care that put her son first. Young Epilepsy provided a diagnostic EEG service that helped Harley's doctor at Maidstone to reach a speedy diagnosis and start a prompt treatment pathway for Infantile Spasms, a medical emergency in epilepsy terms.
That’s when Mia was referred to Young Epilepsy from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust hospital. Getting an accurate diagnosis of infantile spasms is crucial for several reasons:
- Developmental Impact: Infantile spasms can lead to significant developmental delays and regression. Early and accurate diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, which can help minimize these developmental impacts.
- Treatment and Prognosis: Early intervention can improve the prognosis and potentially prevent the progression to more severe forms of epilepsy. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in lifelong cognitive and developmental disabilities.
- Differentiation from Other Conditions: Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions, such as normal infant movements or other types of seizures. Accurate diagnosis ensures that the appropriate treatment is administered.
- Preventing Further Complications: Timely treatment can help prevent further neurological damage and improve the overall quality of life for the affected child
From their very first visit to Young Epilepsy’s Diagnostic Suite, Mia noticed a unique approach. While they had received good care elsewhere, the experience at Young Epilepsy felt tailored specifically to Harley’s needs. Mia talks about how the process at Young Epilepsy was seamless. EEG results that would have taken weeks elsewhere were available almost immediately, easing her worries. Even the environment at the diagnostic suite was designed with children in mind, making a potentially distressing experience much easier. Harley was kept calm with his favourite streamed show and toys—little touches that made a big difference for both mother and child.
What truly stood out for Mia was the personal connection. She remembers how Kelly, one of the staff members, gave her a mobile number for any questions where the appointment was arranged out of normal working hours. When Harley had home video telemetry for 24hours, Mia shares:
I could text the service directly, and get a response right away—even if it was something small like an EEG wire falling off.
It wasn’t just about a timely EEG appointment; it was about the genuine human connection that made Mia feel supported and cared for during such a difficult time.
It felt like I was talking to a friends who really cared about Harley. Every time we came in, they recognised him, greeted him with warmth. That personal touch made all the difference.
For Mia, Young Epilepsy became more than just a diagnostic EEG service—it became a lifeline. A place where her concerns were heard, her son’s needs were prioritised, and her family’s journey with epilepsy was supported at every turn.
If your family is facing the challenges of epilepsy, Young Epilepsy is ready to help with diagnostic EEG services. Please note that these services are accessible only through NHS referrals or for private patients. Consult your healthcare provider or enquire about private patient options.
Reach out today to learn more about the services they offer and how they can support you in your journey.
