Please note that this information is currently under review. The revised version will be available shortly. |
In this section
- Introduction
- About epilepsy
- Developing epilepsy in later life
- Triggers for seizures
- First aid for seizures
- Diagnosing epilepsy
- Treatment with anti-epileptic drugs
- Side-effects of anti-epileptic drugs
- Other ways of treating epilepsy
- Complementary treatments
- Epilepsy nurses
- Coming to terms with epilepsy
- Living with epilepsy
- Driving
Introduction
Epilepsy can begin at any age. However, you are more likely to develop epilepsy when you are young or in later life. We have written this information for you, if you have developed epilepsy in later life.
Code:
B048.03
Our thanks
Epilepsy Action would like to thank Professor Raymond Tallis, Visiting Professor at St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London and Jan Bagshaw, Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Community NHS.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
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Updated March 2013To be reviewed March 2015
Comments: read the 2 comments or add yours
Comments
Hiya,I had an epileptic fit at 8.am on an early turn outside of work. On an early turn you start at 6a.m, did not sleep very well the night before(never do on the first early turn though. It then transpires that I had had 3 in my sleep the previous year, but thought nothing of it at the time, just thought you silly mo, what you doing falling out of bed. At the time of my full blown fit I obviously was taken to hospital, eventually released later that day, to have a night one that night (back to hospital then released again after a couple of hours). I am 53 yrs old and going through the menopause, to which my hot flushes and night sweats have come back with a vengance. I can have up to 20 hot flushes during the day and about 10 at night. The medical officer at work has decided that I am a risk at work (work in the control room at the local police headquarters) I have not been allowed on the radio since it happened in July, and now being a risk will be unable to take 999 calls, apparently he says in case I am mid call and I have another one. I am on medication which makes me very tired, but can do the 10 hour shifts. I am now worried I will loose so much money as I was on the highest grading at work as able to do all aspects at work, and now will only be allowed to do so much less.. I have not had another fit since my first full blown one. I used to love my job, been there nearly 13 yrs. Now I almost hate going in.
Hi
If you are diagnosed with epilepsy you are covered by the equality laws (Equality Act in England, Scotland and Wales and the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland). This means your employer mustn’t discriminate against you unless they can justify this. They do have to take health and safety into account – yours and your service users – but they should weigh up all the facts about your epilepsy very carefully. For example, if you haven’t had a seizure since July, and are on medication, how likely is it that you will have another one? Some employers, in this kind of situation, use the driving regulations as a guide. These ask for 12 months’ seizure freedom. Although this wouldn’t get you back to your previous role immediately, it would be worth keeping in mind. If you would be allowed to drive a car then, I’m not sure how they could justify you not being able to take 999 calls.
Whatever the decision, your employer should do their best to make sure that you are not put at a disadvantage because of your epilepsy.
By the way, you say your medication is making you very tired. It’s worth talking to your doctor about this because they may be able to do something about it. Ideally you want the medication to control your seizures without affecting your quality of life.
Don’t forget you can call us on the Epilepsy Helpline to talk things through, if you think that would help.
Best wishes.
Shelley
Advice and information team