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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

• Epilepsy profiles: Carers of people with epilepsy

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).

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).

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

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).

Carer (aged 48), for her husband (aged 54), who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1989, aged 42. Tried several different drug treatments. Epilepsy is poorly controlled. Current medication' carbamazepine (Tegretol), sodium valproate (Epilim) and levetiracetam (Keppra).

• Epilepsy profiles: Carers of people with epilepsy