Profiles

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



Interview EP03

Had seizures since 1986. In 2002 these were diagnosed as non-epileptic seizures. Had been taking carbamazepine (Tegretol). Is currently being weaned off medication. Seizures have now stopped.

  • Background

    Retired; single, no children.

  • Age at interview 65
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Interview EP01

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1964. Tried various drugs but these did not control seizures. In an attempt to have an acceptable quality of life, decided to stop taking anti-epileptic drugs in 2001 and is on a Chinese/macrobiotic diet. Current medication' diazepam (Valium) when needed.

  • Background

    Voluntary work, including running Oxfordshire Epilepsy Support Group; married, 1 adult child.

  • Age at interview 48
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview EP12

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1965 at age of 15 but had symptoms since around 3-4 years of age. Had neurosurgery at age of 14 though epilepsy is not well controlled. Current medication' carbamazepine (Tegretol) and levetiracetam (Keppra).

  • Background

    Medical secretary; married, 2 adult children.

  • Age at interview 49
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview EP09

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1990. Tried various drugs which did not control seizures. Had neurosurgery in 1998 in the USA. Experienced having seizures for 2 years after the surgery, but has been seizure free since November 2000. Current medication' carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard).

  • Background

    Deputy manager in an off-licence; single, no children.

  • Age at interview 33
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview EP04

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1966, and had an epileptic stroke in 1986. Has tried various drugs over the years and is currently on lamotrigine (Lamictal), which has not controlled the epilepsy but has led to an improvement in quality of life between seizures. Current medication' lamotrigine (Lamictal).

  • Background

    Teaching assistant; married, 2 children.

  • Age at interview 51
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Interview EP02

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1996. Seizures have been controlled since 2000. Current medication' Epilim ( sodium valproate), and Lamictal (lamotrigine).

  • Background

    Student; single and no children.

  • Age at interview 20
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview EP40

    Carer's (aged 43), 15 year old daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1995 age 7. She had a Vagal Nerve Stimulator implanted in 2000 at the age of 13. She had neurosurgery in 2002. Current medication' levetiracetam Keppra and Oxcarbamazepine.

  • Background

    Carer is a customer advisor; married, 2 children.

  • Age at interview 15
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview EP35

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1954. Has tried several different drug treatments, and epilepsy is not completely controlled. Current medication' lamotrigine (Lamictal) and gabapentin (Neurontin).

  • Background

    Retired laboratory technician; single, no children.

  • Age at interview 50
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Interview EP30

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1985. Has tried several different drug treatments, and had 4 years free of seizures. Seizures restarted in 1996 and epilepsy is currently not completely controlled. Current medication' carbamazepine (Tegretol) daily and clobazam (Frisium) when needed.

  • Background

    Not employed at time of interview, previous occupation retailer; married, no children.

  • Age at interview 30
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview EP27

    Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1995. Tried a number of different drug treatments, and on average has about one seizure per year. Current medication' lamotrigine (Lamictal).

  • Background

    Solicitor; married, one child.

  • Age at interview 31
  • Sex/Gender Female