Pain Management Services
RESOURCES & LINKS
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes repeated seizures without a recognised provoking factor. A seizure happens when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Having one seizure does not always mean epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, or a single seizure in the presence of a structural brain abnormality, abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) or epilepsy syndrome.
Seizures can look very different from one person to another, depending on where the seizure starts in the brain, and how it spreads.
- Focal seizures – start in one part of the brain
- May cause staring, unusual movements, or strange feelings
- Awareness may be either preserved or impaired
- Generalized seizures – involve both sides of the brain
- Tonic-clonic seizures: loss of consciousness, stiffening, shaking
- Absence seizures: brief staring spells, often in children
- Myoclonic seizures: sudden jerks of arms or legs
There are many different causes of epilepsy, including traumatic brain injuries, stroke, brain tumours, brain infections and genetic causes. In some people no definitive cause is found.
There is no one test to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy. Dr Petre will use a combination of your history, examination findings, EEG, Brain MRI and in some cases blood tests.
Treatment is tailored to the individual, and in most cases will involve antiseizure medications. In some cases more advanced treatment options may be recommended.
Seizures and epilepsy will often impact ability to drive. Dr Petre follows the AustRoads guidelines, but will work with patients to minimise the impact of driving restrictions where possible.
Seizures and Epilepsy
WorkCover and Compensable Injury Management
Assessment and treatment planning for patients with workplace injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries, and other compensable pain conditions, with a focus on rehabilitation and return-to-work outcomes.
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and Medicolegal Assessments
Independent assessments relating to injury causation, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, impairment, work capacity, and long-term prognosis for legal and insurance purposes.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy (NFR)
A minimally invasive procedure used to treat facet joint–mediated spinal pain by interrupting pain signalling from targeted nerves.
Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment (PRF)
A nerve-targeting treatment used for selected neuropathic pain conditions where modulation of nerve activity may reduce pain without destroying the nerve.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Diagnostic and therapeutic injections used to identify and treat pain arising from peripheral nerves.
Spinal Injections
Includes epidural and selective nerve root injections used in the management of radicular pain, disc-related pain, and spinal inflammation.
Sacroiliac Joint Procedures
Diagnostic and therapeutic injections for sacroiliac joint pain, including consideration of radiofrequency treatment where appropriate.
Neuropathic Pain Management
Assessment and treatment planning for nerve-related pain conditions including CRPS, post-surgical neuropathic pain, nerve injury pain, and spinal pain syndromes.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Management
Multidisciplinary assessment and evidence-based management of CRPS, including rehabilitation planning, medication recommendations, procedural options, and coordination with allied health providers.
Persistent Spinal Pain Management
Management of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pain conditions including degenerative spinal pain, post-surgical spinal pain, facet-mediated pain, and radicular syndromes.
Headache and Facial Pain Assessment
Assessment and management of selected headache disorders, cervicogenic headache, occipital neuralgia, and persistent facial pain conditions.
Cancer and Palliative Pain Support
Supportive pain management aimed at improving comfort, function, and quality of life in patients with cancer-related pain.
Comprehensive assessment, targeted procedures and coordinated rehabilitation—all part of one clear plan.
We bring clarity and structure to complex pain conditions, offering coordinated care to help you recover.