When you know what you want, and only then – should you look at the limitations associated with your epilepsy and see how you can balance what you want with the status of your health. There are three things to bear in mind:

  • Can epilepsy endanger your own well-being?
  • Can epilepsy endanger other people?
  • Will the normally expected work performance be affected?

The last point on reduced work performance is of less relevance to the initial choice of occupation. An interference with work performance due to medical conditions is not a disqualifying factor, but should nevertheless be considered, as in some countries (Germany) it leads to an obligation on the part of the applicant to report the epilepsy. The last point on reduced work performance is of less relevance to the initial choice of occupation.

More important is first of all the consideration of the danger to oneself and others. There is a danger to oneself, for example, if there is a risk of coming into contact with harmful electrical voltages, infectious or toxic substances due to seizures. In addition, dangers are caused by unprotected moving machine parts, the possibility of falling, working in confined spaces or working alone. Risks to others are present, for example, when the supervision of minors or people with mental or physical disabilities in social care or educational occupations is interrupted due to seizures. This can be avoided if another person can immediately take over supervision in the event of a seizure.

How does epilepsy affect you?

In the next step, it is essential that you systematically review both your diagnostic and experiential knowledge of your epilepsy for possible interferences in your professional life. There are hardly any professions that are generally unsuitable for people diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy comes in many guises and a basic analysis of your personal professional limitations is the foundation for any further consideration. Here are a few helpful guiding questions:

  • How high is the seizure risk still? The longer a person with epilepsy has been seizure-free, the lower it usually is.
  • How frequent are the seizures?
  • What types of seizures occur? Epileptic seizures can be very different and have very different effects. Some are so unproblematic that you can even drive a car with them.
  • Do the seizures occur suddenly, or are there precursors (so-called prodromes or auras) that make it possible to take preventive action?
  • Are seizures likely to occur during working hours, or do they always come out of sleep, for example?
  • Do the medications have side effects, and if so, what are they?
  • What occupational hazards are avoidable in a particular workplace?

Serious risks for yourself and others only occur during certain types of seizures. Namely, when in the context of seizures

  1. disturbances of consciousness,
  2. falling, or
  3. disturbances in the voluntary motor skills occur.
  4. as well as when prolonged periods of dullness in consciousness or inappropriate actions are to be expected after a seizure.

If uncontrollable seizures exist, we must advise against certain occupations. Essentially, this concerns work with a risk of falling (roofers, chimney sweeps, etc.), work with open water and fire, work with high voltage current and unprotected machines, as well as work as a professional driver. The danger to third parties must in no case be given. In addition, it is important whether the required antiepileptic medication is tolerated without side effects.

Task: Connect your career aspirations with the condition of your epilepsy. What are the consequences?

Now that you have an idea of what you want and we have given you rough guidelines for assessing your limitations in working life, it is up to you to bring the two levels together. There is no one-fits-all solution that we can offer. The questions you have to ask yourself about your epilepsy and the limitations that result are far too different. At the end of the day, you have to keep in mind that it is first and foremost about avoiding danger for yourself and others, and only secondly about limiting your work performance. Use the guidance questions from this section and link your conditions to your career aspirations from the first section.

This can be a challenging process, and while you need to be realistic about your situation, you should also not be too quick to shy away from job profiles out of fear or ignorance, just because it seems a little difficult at first glance. Again, remember that small changes can often make workplaces safer. Consultancy services, which we will discuss in the next chapter, can also be of interest here. They often know more about possible precautions or measures to make jobs and workplaces epilepsy friendly. So don’t leave out any option that you think can provide a solution.