Research projects

Over the last year Epilepsy Action has carried out several important research projects looking at issues affecting people with epilepsy. Thank you to all our members and others who took the time to help us by taking part in these projects. Your views and the information you provide are vital in helping to inform our Advice and Information Advisors, and in supporting Epilepsy Action's campaigns to improve the services available for people with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Action also commissions and funds important large scale research projects into such topics as women and epilepsy, education and epilepsy, and the legal implications of epilepsy.

If you would like to any further information please contact Margaret Rawnsley on 0113 210 8800 (UK) or +44 (0)113 210 8800 (international) or email research@epilepsy.org.uk.

Anti-Epileptic Medication Packaging Survey

Research suggests that a tiny difference between two versions of the same anti-epileptic drug may cause problems for people with epilepsy if they are switched from one to another. It is believed that these problems may cause changes to seizure pattern, or side effects. People can be given brand name drugs, versions from different manufacturers (generic drugs), drugs made in the UK, or drugs manufactured elsewhere in Europe (parallel imports). Epilepsy Action is concerned to establish how big a problem these issues are for people with epilepsy.

In autumn 2003 Epilepsy Action distributed a questionnaire to its members asking if they had had any difficulty obtaining their usual anti-epileptic medication. We had a fantastic response, with almost 1,800 people returning questionnaires. The findings are now available, with copies of the full report being available for £5.00.

• Summary of the findings
• The full report is available for sale from our online shop.

South Asians and Epilepsy: Understanding the health experiences, needs and beliefs in communities in Bradford

In 2001 Epilepsy Action commissioned Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust to undertake research into the experiences and understanding of epilepsy amongst South Asian communities in Bradford. The main aim of the study was to examine the experiences of South Asians with epilepsy in relation to their health needs and beliefs, and to address their health provision needs, lifestyle considerations, complementary therapies and provision of epilepsy services.

• Summary of the findings
• The full report is available for sale from our online shop.