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• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP12 >> Recommends asking questions and getting explanations from doctors.

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).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP01 >> Advises getting referred to a neurologist and accepting support form others.

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 30-49 >> Interview EP21 >> Highlights the need for more epilepsy specialists, and the importance of talking about the emotional impacts of epilepsy.

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 EP09 >> Advises seeking information about epilepsy and learning more about the condition.

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 30-49 >> Interview EP19 >> Advises joining epilepsy organisations, being open and carers to be patient and supportive.

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 EP36 >> Recommends carrying an ID card and being open about having epilepsy.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1998. Has tried sodium valproate (Epilim) and is currently taking lamotrigine (Lamictal), which has reduced the frequency and intensity of seizures but epilepsy is not controlled. Current medication: lamotrigine (Lamictal).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged under 30 >> Interview EP08 >> Discusses the need to make some changes but to remain focused and pursue new interests.

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).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP10 >> Emphasises being positive and keeping one's epilepsy in perspective.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1982. Tried various drugs which did not control seizures. Had neurosurgery in 1984 at the age of 13 and in 1998 at the age of 28. Although there was some improvement in the seizures, epilepsy is poorly controlled. Current medication: carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard), vigabatrin (Sabril) and lamotrigine (Lamictal) daily, and clobazam (Frisium) when needed.

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Carers of >> Interview EP29 >> Advises that carers accept help when needed and avoid over-protecting children.

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).