Epilepsy

What is epilepsy?

The word “epilepsy” is a generic term covering a wide variety of seizure conditions. It's derived from Greek words meaning “to be seized.”

A seizure occurs when neurons in the brain become unstable and fire in an abnormally rapid manner, similar to a misfiring engine. The excess electric discharges result in a seizure.

Seizures may be confined to one area of the brain (partial seizure) or take place throughout the entire brain (generalized seizure). A generalized seizure involves the loss of consciousness, a period of rigidity, and convulsions usually lasting slightly over a minute.

A partial seizure typically involves a short period (30 seconds or so) of disorientation with cessation of activity.

The most common generalized seizure, once known as a “grand mal” seizure but now called a tonic-clonic seizure, is often easier to control than a partial seizure.

Establishing a seizure diagnosis involves an evaluation by a neurologist, and, usually, an awake and/or sleep EEG (electroencephalograph) assessment. A diagnosis of epilepsy requires recurring seizures. For various medical reasons, many individuals may experience a single seizure.

Common myths about with epilepsy

Myth: Employees with epilepsy have attendance and performance issues.

Fact: Studies show that workers with epilepsy are no different from the general working population in job attendance.

Myth: Employees with epilepsy have high accident rates in the work place.

Fact: Sneezing and coughing are twice as likely to cause accidents.

Myth: Safety in the workplace is difficult to provide for an employee with epilepsy.

Fact: Today’s work place standards and general modifications are appropriate.

Myth: Insurance rates go up for employers who hire employees with epilepsy.

Fact: Insurance rates do not increase. In fact, when additional safety features are installed, rates go down because of safety records.

Myth: A person having a seizure swallows his/her tongue. To prevent this the seizure should be stopped immediately.

Fact: You cannot swallow your tongue during a seizure. Never force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure. Gently roll the person on one side and put something soft under his/her head. Do not use restraints. The seizure will run its course; you cannot stop it.

Typical job accommodations

When considering accommodations for an employee with epilepsy, it is important that input from the individual be included.

Accommodations for epilepsy frequently involve procedural considerations rather than physical changes to the work site or purchase of equipment. This generally does not require any significant cost, nor is it likely to impose an undue hardship to the employer.

In states where there are driving restrictions for individuals who experience seizures, an employer may need to modify or restructure the position if it requires driving.

Other examples of accommodations for individuals with epilepsy include:

• Safety guards on machinery.
• Rubber mats or carpeting on the concrete floor in the person's work area.
• Schedules that are compatible with the person's sleep patterns.
• Extended breaks or time off if a seizure occurs at work.
• Flame-retardant clothing for those working in an area where they could get burned during a seizure.
• Safety helmets.

Causes of epilepsy

The causes of epilepsy are wide ranging and may include infectious diseases in a pregnant mother, parasitic infections, vascular diseases, and birth trauma.

Only 1-2% of conditions can be traced to genetic causes

Anything special I should know about epilepsy?

With the correct diagnosis and medication, most individuals with epilepsy achieve good seizure control or even complete freedom from seizures. For those with active epilepsy, seizure conditions can vary widely and should be considered on an individual basis.

Many individuals with epilepsy present absolutely no job-relevant concerns. They may have seizures nocturnally, or may have a consistent warning aura and can sit down or take other safety precautions.

There are well-known individuals in history, such as Julius Caesar and Vincent van Gogh, and present day celebrities, such as Margaux Hemingway and Buddy Bell, who had or have active seizure conditions.