Supplementing a national survey of self-help group members, a study examined the functioning of an epilepsy self-help group in order to identify communication patterns establishing mutual aid. An examination of eight tape-recorded sessions was combined with an observer's field notes to develop a profile of the group. Analysis revealed a loosely structured, "drop-in" group that was sustained by a core of from five to eight leaders. The group met with no success in engaging in collective action or advocacy and with mixed success in providing guidance for members in their daily lives. Continuance of the group seemed to be a result of its success in establishing a network of social relationships for members. The findings support the results of the national survey, which indicated that epilepsy self-help groups function as social support systems for their members. (Extensive excerpts of the recorded sessions are appended.) (Author/FL)