How it affects work

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How it affects work

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 >> Explains that epilepsy can be frightening to people who do not know much about it.

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 EP15 >> Discusses telling employers about her epilepsy shortly after starting work, and getting promoted despite having epilepsy.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1974. Epilepsy is not controlled and the possibility of neurosurgery was being considered at time of interview. Current medication: carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard).

Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 50-69 >> Interview EP34 >> Explains that he did not tell employers about his epilepsy and his concerns about doing so in the professions.

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).

Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP19 >> Explains how having epilepsy affected his job in the police force.

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 30-49 >> Interview EP22 >> Discusses taking an employer to a tribunal and some of the problems she had at work.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1988. Tried various drugs, and had neurosurgery in 2000. Has been seizure free since surgery, and stopped taking medications (lamotrigine and carbamazepine) a few months after neurosurgery.

Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged under 30 >> Interview EP08 >> Discusses the affects of work on seizures as well as on his confidence.

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 50-69 >> Interview EP11 >> Recalls being made unfit to work and how this affected her.

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 50-69 >> Interview EP35 >> Explains that he is wary of changing jobs because of the difficulties with finding work in the past.

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

Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP26 >> Discusses some of the difficulties with finding work and the benefits of doing charity work.

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 EP20 >> Explains that he is working on a therapeutic earnings basis.

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).

Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP09 >> Explains that she has always worked and her epilepsy has not affected her financially.

Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP19 >> His finances were affected when he was moved to another job; he advises seeking the cheapest insurance options.

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 >> His epilepsy affects the work he can do and his finances.

Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP26 >> Explains the risks involved if she works, and suggests that benefits should go towards future security.

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