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• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP01 >> Recalls feeling shocked and trying to prove herself.

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.

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 50-69 >> Interview EP31 >> Describes her disbelief at the news of her diagnosis.

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).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Carers of >> Interview EP17 >> Describes her husband's misery when he first saw his seizures on video.

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).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP09 >> Discusses how her epilepsy affected her work and independence.

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).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 50-69 >> Interview EP11 >> Explains that she was happy to have a label for her symptoms but was concerned about other peoples' reactions.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 2000. Tried various drugs which did not control seizures and caused severe side effects. At the time of interview, participant had stopped taking all medication. Current medication: none.

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP27 >> Describes her feelings of relief as well as depression and isolation.

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).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged under 30 >> Interview EP16 >> Explains that the diagnosis of epilepsy meant little to her.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1992. Has tried sodium valproate (Epilim), lamotrigine (Lamictal) and topirimate (Topamax), though epilepsy is not controlled. Current medication: sodium valproate (Epilim) and topirimate (Topamax).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP26 >> Explains that she was diagnosed as a child and has grown up with having 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).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP21 >> Explains that his brother had had epilepsy, and how he felt calm when he was later diagnosed himself.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1984, although had the condition throughout childhood as well. Has been seizure free since 1986, though had a status epilepticus episode in 1999 when medication was missed. Current medication: carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard) and clobazam (Frisium).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP19 >> Discusses his attitude of getting on with life even though he has epilepsy.

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

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged under 30 >> Interview EP08 >> Discusses how he felt after leaving the hospital, support from others and having a sense of humour.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1994, caused by a benign tumour that was found in 2001. At the time of interview, brain surgery was a possibility and would depend on test results. Current medication: carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).