Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Interview EP18

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1967, at a few months of age. Tried various anti-epileptic drugs and had neurosurgery in 1997 which reduced the frequency and intensity of seizures. Current medication' lamotrigine (Lamictal) and sodium valproate (Epilim).

  • Background

    Care assistant; married, no children.

  • Age at interview 35
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview EP19

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1985. Seizures have been controlled since 1992. Current drug treatment is carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard) and sodium valproate (Epilim).

  • Background

    Area safety advisor for Royal Mail; married, 3 children.

  • Age at interview 43
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview EP20

    Diagnosed with non-epileptic seizures in 1998, which were triggered by manic depression. Current drug treatment is for depression and seizures, and includes carbamazepine (Tegretol) and sodium valproate (Epilim).

  • Background

    Independent financial examiner; single, no children.

  • Age at interview 39
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview EP26

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1966. Has poorly controlled epilepsy and has tried various drug treatments over the years. Current medication' Slow-release carbamazepine (Tegretol Retard), gabapentin (Neurontin) and levetiracetam (Keppra).

  • Background

    Voluntary charity work; single, no children.

  • Age at interview 42
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview EP29

    Carer (aged 44), of her son aged 22, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1982, at 16 months of age. Severe uncontrolled epilepsy and autism, symptoms of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, diagnosed in 1997. Has tried several different drugs, and ketogenic diet as a child. Currently on a gluten free and dairy free diet. Current medication' levetiracetam (Keppra) and carbamazepine (Tegretol).

  • Background

    Full-time carer, married, two adult children.

  • Age at interview 22
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview EP34

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1965. Has tried several different drug treatments, and had 14 years free of seizures. Epilepsy has been controlled again since 1997. Current medication' carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard), phenytoin (Epanutin) and diazepam (Valium).

  • Background

    Retired senior deputy headmaster; married, no children.

  • Age at interview 52
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview EP39

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1980 at age of 13 but had symptoms since around the age of 6. Current medication' phenytoin (Epanutin) and levetiracetam (Keppra).

  • Background

    Voluntary work in health services, previously IT consultant; single, no children.

  • Age at interview 35
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview EP28

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1951. Has tried several different drugs, and been involved in various clinical trials. Had neurosurgery at the age of 20. Although respondent had 14 years without seizures, seizures returned and epilepsy is not controlled. Current medication' levetiracetam (Keppra), phenytoin (Epanutin) and clobazam (Frisium).

  • Background

    Self employed stress consultant; married, 2 adult children.

  • Age at interview 53
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview EP31

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1980, shortly after having a stroke. Had severe uncontrolled epilepsy despite trying many different drug treatments. Had a Vagal Nerve Stimulator implanted in 2001, and has experienced a vast improvement both in seizure frequency and recovery time following a seizure. Current medication' carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard).

  • Background

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1980, shortly after having a stroke. Had severe uncontrolled epilepsy despite trying many different drug treatments. Had a Vagal Nerve Stimulator implanted in 2001, and has...

  • Age at interview 52
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview EP32

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001. Was put on gabapentin straight away and epilepsy has been well controlled since then. Current medication' gabapentin (Neurontin).

  • Background

    Technician; engaged, no children.

  • Age at interview 26
  • Sex/Gender Male