Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I should have had an appointment by now

If you are waiting a long time for a scan, please contact the radiology department to make sure the scan has been booked. 

If you think that your clinic appointment is overdue please contact your consultant’s secretary. Often something has gone wrong and your appointment needs to be re-booked.  

You may be on something called patient initiated follow up (PIFU) which means that you need to contact us to activate it – please contact the consultant’s secretary.  

I need to change or cancel my appointment – what should I do? 

To cancel your appointment, please call the telephone number on your appointment letter or you can request a change by visiting the patient portal directly. 

• Digital letters and text reminders

I have missed my appointment – what happens now? 

If you fail to keep your appointment without telling us, we will not give you a further appointment without referring you back to your GP. This is to make sure we do not waste valuable appointments. 

Can I get a copy of my clinic letters? 

All letters from the neurology department should be addressed or copied to the patient. If you want a copy of you last clinic letter, please contact the consultant’s secretary or you can ask to be signed up to myhealth@UHB.

• Access your records online

How do I request my medical records? 

You are entitled to a copy of any or all of your written medical records. This can be obtained by contacting the subject access team. Note copies of scan images can be obtained, but you have to pay a fee to have them transferred to CD.  

• Request access to health records

Can I still drive if I have a neurological condition? 

Some neurological conditions require you to inform the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You can visit the DVLA website for guidance. 

• Assessing fitness to drive: a guide for medical professionals - GOV.UK

How long will I be unable to drive after a seizure? 

For a single seizure in someone who doesn’t have a diagnosis of epilepsy it is 6 months. If you have diagnosis of epilepsy and have a seizure then you can’t drive for 12 months. There are some exceptions to this, for example if you are planning to drive a lorry or bus then the driving suspensions are longer. Please see the DVLA website for guidance.  

• Assessing fitness to drive: a guide for medical professionals - GOV.UK

Can I fly if I have a neurological condition? 

Many people with neurological conditions can fly, but some conditions (e.g., epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, or recent stroke) may require extra precautions. Check with the airline before flying. If necessary UHB can provide a letter of support, but please make sure you ask for this well in advance of your planned trip. 

I have run out of my medication – what should I do? 

Your GP should be your first point of contact for repeat prescriptions. 

There may be some medications that your GP cannot provide in which case the neurology department can issue prescriptions, but there is no automatic process for doing this. You need to contact the neurology team at least 3 weeks before your prescription is due to run out. 

I’m experiencing side effects from my medication – what should I do? 

If you have mild side effects, speak to your GP or pharmacist. If the side effects are severe, contact your neurology team for further advice. If you have just been started on lamotrigine or carbamazepine and have a rash contact the epilepsy CNS team urgently:  

• Contact the Epilepsy Specialist Nursing Team

I have a neurological condition – should I let my neurologist know if I am planning a pregnancy? 

Yes, it is important to discuss this with your neurologist, as some medications may need to be adjusted before conception. 

Can I continue my neurological medication during pregnancy? 

Some medications are safe during pregnancy, while others need to be changed. Speak to your neurologist or GP as early as possible. If you have epilepsy do not stop your anti-seizure medication without speaking to your GP or the neurology team. 

How long will it take to get my test results? 

This varies depending on the type of test. Your neurology team will contact you if urgent action is needed. 

Blood tests may not be routinely fedback. 

Normal or unchanged scan results take longer to be processed than abnormal ones,. It can sometimes take some months before the results get back to you. 

You should get the results eventually – if you have heard nothing 3 months after the date of the scan, please contact the neurology secretaries.  

Can I get a copy of my scan report? 

Yes, you can request a copy via the subject access team. 

• Request access to health records

Can my neurologist provide a letter for benefits, work, or housing? 

In some cases, your neurologist may be able to provide medical evidence, but they are not usually able to complete detailed benefit forms. You may need to request reports through your GP or occupational health services. 

How do I request a letter of support? 

Please make your request in writing, clearly stating what you need and why. Allow time for this to be processed.