Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1989, which was caused by a brain tumour. Had radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat the tumour, and seizures were reduced considerably. Felt better without medication and decided to stop taking anti-epileptic drugs. Current medication' none.
Not employed at time of interview; single, no children.
Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1981. Tried various drugs and, in 1999, had neurosurgery which reduced the frequency and intensity of seizures. Current medication' gabapentin (Neurontin) and carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard) daily, and clobazam (Frisium) around the time of menstruation.
Not employed at time of interview; divorced, 1 child.
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.
Retired; single, no children.
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.
Voluntary work, including running Oxfordshire Epilepsy Support Group; married, 1 adult child.
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).
Medical secretary; married, 2 adult children.
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).
Deputy manager in an off-licence; single, no children.
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).
Teaching assistant; married, 2 children.
Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1996. Seizures have been controlled since 2000. Current medication' Epilim ( sodium valproate), and Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Student; single and no children.
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.
Carer is a customer advisor; married, 2 children.
Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1954. Has tried several different drug treatments, and epilepsy is not completely controlled. Current medication' lamotrigine (Lamictal) and gabapentin (Neurontin).
Retired laboratory technician; single, no children.
