Living With Epilepsy
Q: Can people living with Epilepsy lead normal lives?
Experience has shown that people with Epilepsy have fewer seizures if they lead normal active lives. This means they should be encouraged to find jobs, either full or part-time. People with any disabilities are now protected under amendments to the Human Rights Code (Canada). However, some jobs, because of the nature of technical equipment or machinery, may not be recommended for a person with Epilepsy. It is therefore most important for a young adult to work with the school guidance department to establish appropriate career goals.
Q: What can people with Epilepsy do to help their health?
Like any medical condition, Epilepsy is affected by the general health and well-being of the person affected. So, anything that can be done to improve the state of the person can have a positive effect on Epilepsy. This includes diet, exercise, rest, reducing stress, avoiding depression, and staying away from alcohol and illegal drugs.
Q: Who should know that I have Epilepsy?
Openness and honesty about Epilepsy is important. A child's teacher should be informed about the type of seizure, what they look like, their frequency, and any first aid requirements. There are advantages and disadvantages to telling an employer. What you tell them may depend upon how comfortable you are discussing your Epilepsy, the kinds of seizures involved, and the type of job. An employer may ask if you have a medical problem that would make you unable to do your job, but they may not ask generally about your medication condition.
Q: Is there prejudice against people with Epilepsy?
While much progress has been made in reducing societal prejudice against Epilepsy, discrimination or rejection may also be a problem for the person with the seizures. In addition, family and friends may be overprotective or impose unnecessary restrictions. In the end, the person with seizures may lose confidence or feel "like a second class citizen".
Q: Are there any problems having children?
Women who use seizure-controlling drugs must be careful when it comes to having children. There have been reported cases of birth defects for these women. While the "normal" rate of birth defects is 2-3% , women with epilepsy who are not taking medication have a slightly higher (1/2%) risk of malformations. Women on a single medication have a risk of about 6-7%, with some differences due to the particular medication involved. Multiple drug combinations drastically increase the risk. This creates a problem because the drugs may create risks for the baby, but the need for anti-seizure drugs remains during pregnancy. Seizures may even be more frequent during pregnancy, and harm both the baby and the mother. A doctor may decide to change or reduce a woman's medication if she plans to become pregnant. In some cases, however, the doctor may recommend that the risks of pregnancy are too great for the mother and child. Any changes in medication must be considered carefully, and a woman should never adjust her own medication. There are some special issues relating to maternal health during pregnancy for women with Epilepsy, and this may require special attention. Finally, some seizure medications can lead to failures of oral birth control pills.
Q: Can medications for controlling Epilepsy harm a nursing baby?
Always check with your physician if you are on anticonvulsants and planning to breast feed. Although anticonvulsant medication has been measured in the breast milk of mothers with Epilepsy, the amount is usually too low to harm the child.
Q: Can people living with Epilepsy drive a car?
In Canada, the situation is that anyone with a history of Epilepsy may drive a motor vehicle, provided the person's physician certifies that he or she has been free from seizures for a minimum period of a year. Each case is reviewed by a medical advisory committee. The situation may be different in your location. Ask your physician about it, or contact a driver examination centre.
Q: Can people living with Epilepsy go swimming?
It is advised that before a person with Epilepsy goes swimming, they should consult their doctor. When a person with Epilepsy does go swimming, they should not do it alone (common water-safety advice for everyone). It is also recommended that swimming be done in a supervised pool rather than beaches, lakes, or rivers.
Q: Can Epilepsy lead to problems at school?
Longstanding seizure disorders may be associated with seizure-induced brain damage and memory problems. Also, children with Epilepsy may experience learning or concentration problems because of the neurological disorder or the medications. If a child who has Epilepsy is having problems at school, either academically or socially, the teacher and the principal should be asked to help. If you would like your child to be tested by the school psychologist, arrange it through the principal. If your child is having academic problems, ask to see the Special Education Consultant for the area. In consultation with the child's teacher, a modified program can be arranged if necessary. Children with Epilepsy should be allowed to take part in all regular school activities, including sports.
Q: Can Epilepsy cause emotional problems?
People with Epilepsy may develop depression for both biological and social reasons. Some longstanding poorly controlled seizure disorders may be associated with chronic personality changes. Also, or short durations following temporal lobe seizures some patients may have emotional "swings" or other thinking difficulties. While Epilepsy is a medical problem, the person with the seizures must also make a number of emotional adjustments. The first challenge is acceptance of the diagnosis. Initially people with Epilepsy and their families may experience shock or denial. Anger, fear, and depression are also common. However, with information and support, people with Epilepsy can understand the condition and develop positive coping strategies.
Q: Can Epilepsy lead to problems with self-esteem?
It is important to remember that people with Epilepsy can, and do, live full, productive lives. If self-esteem becomes a problem, open discussion with supportive friends, family, or a professional counsellor can help you develop new ways of coping and a new sense of hope.
Working With Epilepsy
Q: What occupations are not appropriate for people with Epilepsy?
Given that they are trained with appropriate sets of skills and/or education, the vast majority of people with Epilepsy are capable of performing any job. Some exceptions to the rule are: occupations in the military, commercial airlines, and fire brigade as the lives of others may be endangered should a seizure occur. Consideration should be give to the type of seizures and how well they are controlled by medication.
Q: Can people with Epilepsy fly a plane?
Persons with Epilepsy may not be able to fly a plane. There are strict standards that must be met by anyone wanting to get their pilot's license. Each person is individually assessed and must meet a regime of standards set up by the Civil Aviation Medical Centre.
Q: Is there a problem with job safety?
Employers hiring someone with Epilepsy are often concerned that job safety will be compromised in the event of an injury caused by a seizure in the workplace. One study revealed that the accident rate of workers with Epilepsy was lower than those employees without disabilities. Liability is not a factor as long as the employee has been placed in an appropriate job and reasonable accommodation is provided as necessary.
Q: Can an employer ask about Epilepsy on a job application?
It is illegal for an employer to ask about medical problems on the application form. A person with Epilepsy (or any other health problem) is not required to respond to any medical related question.
Q: Can an employer ask about Epilepsy during a job interview?
Nothing precludes the interviewer from asking questions about your health status, however it MUST relate to your ability to perform the essential duties of the job. They may ask "Do you have any medical problems that would make you unable to do the job?", but they MAY NOT ask "Do you have any medical problems?"
Q: Can I be fired because I have Epilepsy?
The Canadian Human Rights Code does not permit employers to fire an employee because they had a seizure at work, or have Epilepsy. Before a person is dismissed, the employer must show that "reasonable accommodation" has been made to help the person keep their job. Accommodations are determined by doing a physical demands analysis, which is a breakdown of the exact physical requirements necessary to perform the job.
Q: Can people with Epilepsy get social assistance?
A person who has Epilepsy may qualify for assistance to prepare for and to obtain employment. Assistance may take the form of vocational assessment, counselling, academic, or technical training or job placement. Application should be made to your nearest office.
A person who is severely disabled by seizures, and unable to compete in the work force, may apply for assistance. Application should be made to your nearest office.
Two other kinds of financial assistance are available in Canada, depending on a person's income: General Assistance, usually referred to as welfare, is available for anyone in urgent need of financial aid. Special Assistance is for a person who is employed, but has extraordinary needs such as a high prescription drug costs. Application for each of these assistance programs should be made through the municipal social service department.
