NATIONAL EPILEPSY LINE
Call: 1300 37 45 37
OR
Book a telehealth appointment with an epilepsy nurse here
What is the National Epilepsy Line?
The National Epilepsy Line is a free phone, email and telehealth service delivered by specialist epilepsy nurses. Whether your question is about understanding your epilepsy or medications, managing your seizure triggers, first aid for seizures, or how your epilepsy impacts your daily life, there is no question too small.
The National Epilepsy Line is delivered by Epilepsy Action Australia with funding from the Australian Government, Department of Health.
Who is the National Epilepsy Line for?
The NEL is available Australia wide for anyone who has a question or wants to discuss epilepsy. This includes people living with epilepsy, their family and significant others, school teachers, employers, health professionals and more.
The National Epilepsy Line for GPs.
Epilepsy nurses (Clinical Nurse Specialists and Clinical Nurse Consultants) are available to support GPs in the development of a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Speak to your GP if you feel you would benefit from this service. GPs can book this service directly.
How can I access the National Epilepsy Line?
How long will it take to receive a reply?
Calls to The National Epilepsy Line will be answered immediately by a Registered Nurse and emails will be answered the next business day by a Registered Nurse.
Who will I be speaking with?
Each call will be answered by a Registered Nurse with special training in epilepsy management, so callers can trust that the information they receive will be accurate and safe.
The Epilepsy Nurses on the helpline are qualified to answer questions about medications, lifestyle implications of epilepsy such as drinking alcohol, driving, playing sport or pregnancy, planning for the NDIS, employment, first aid, seizure management and more.
The Nurses can also refer callers on to external services or more specialist Epilepsy Nurses and Consultants, if the nature of the call warrants further assistance.
Why does the National Epilepsy Line exist?
This service has been developed specifically to improve health outcomes for people affected by epilepsy.
The National Epilepsy Line is especially life-changing for people living in rural and remote regions of Australia, who may have limited access to medical professionals trained in epilepsy management.
There are around 250,000 people diagnosed with epilepsy in Australia, and many only see their epilepsy specialist once or twice a year. The National Epilepsy Line will mean that a person who has a question about their medication can get an almost instant response, or a person concerned about a family member who has had a seizure can get immediate advice as to what to do next.
Epilepsy Action recognises the support of the Australian Government Department of Health in establishing the National Epilepsy Line
