Epilepsies in children, young people and adults

This quality standard covers diagnosing and managing epilepsies in children, young people and adults. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement.

Last reviewed: 20 December 2023

This quality standard was updated and replaced the existing quality standards on epilepsy in adults (QS26) and epilepsy in children and young people (QS27), published in 2013. The topics were identified for update following the review of quality standards. The review identified:

• updated guidance on epilepsies in children, young people and adults
• that the quality standards on epilepsy should be combined

For more information, see update information.

In November 2023, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency safety alert asked organisations to prepare for new regulatory measures for valproate-containing medicines. NICE’s guideline on epilepsies in children, young people and adults is currently being reviewed in light of the national patient safety alert, and this quality standard will be reviewed to consider if an update is needed.

How to use NICE quality standards and how we develop them

Quality standards help you improve the quality of care you provide or commission. They apply in England and Wales (see the UK government website and Welsh government website). Decisions on how they apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland are made by ministers in the Scottish government and Northern Ireland Executive.

Find out how to use quality standards and how we develop them.