The UK Armed Forces and epilepsy

Epilepsy, single seizures and febrile convulsions:

You would NOT be able to join the Armed Forces if:

• You have been diagnosed with epilepsy or have had more than one seizure since the age of 6 years
• You have had a single seizure in the last 5 years

You MAY be able to join the Armed Forces, possibly in restricted jobs if:

• You have had febrile convulsions before the age of six, and no seizures since then, or
• You have had a single seizure more than 5 years ago, and have not been on treatment since then.

Provoked seizures

This is defined as a seizure that has a specific cause which is not likely to recur. If you have had a provoked seizure, this will be assessed on an individual basis. The Single Service Occupational Physician responsible for the selection of recruits will be able to advise you.

Childhood absence seizures

You may be considered fit for employment if

• you have a history of childhood absence seizures which started before the age of 10 years and
• you have had no seizures or treatment for the last 5 years.

Benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood

This syndrome is also now called childhood epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes.
You may be considered fit for employment if

• you have a confirmed diagnosis of typical benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood and
• you have had no seizures or treatment for the last 5 years