Memory and epilepsy | Laura | Case Study | Epilepsy Society

Laura Grainger, 34, cannot remember her own wedding day, most holidays and birthdays, or the time she spent at university. The impact of her epilepsy means that memory loss is a huge factor in her life.
Laura's home in Witney is immaculately tidy, with photographs of family and happy occasions in frames. Dotted around the house are keepsakes bearing life-affirming mottoes and quotes about the importance of spending time with loved ones, and, poignantly, the importance of making memories.
Close friends made Laura a book of photographs and memories of her but, she says: “I’m unsure whether I remember the memories or just think I do because I’ve seen the photos.” She used to keep a journal, too, but found it too emotionally difficult to look back at what she had written with no recollection of the events taking place. Now, she just keeps factual diaries with dates written down.
Her diagnosis came after what was an ordinary trip to the shops. “I was in my car with my oldest son Sidney, who was six months old at the time, and I was driving to the local Sainsbury’s. It’s a route I do all the time, and I’ve lived in Witney all my life, but when I got to the roundabout at the end of the road, I was completely lost. I couldn’t work out which exit to take. I circled the roundabout three times in total confusion, and then I chose an exit but it was the wrong one. I got very scared and came home straight away. That’s when I knew I needed to see the doctor.”