Understanding epilepsy
People living with epilepsy are employed in a range of jobs across many different industries. While having seizures can make finding and keeping employment more challenging; skills, abilities, qualifications and experience are the most important factors to be considered by your future employer.
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain which takes the form of recurring seizures. These occur as a result of a brief disturbance in the brain's electrochemical activity. Sudden bursts of this electrochemical activity scramble the brain's messages upsetting the brain's normal control of the body. Seizures can sometimes look frightening but rarely cause any damage to the brain. Once the seizure is over, the person gradually returns to a normal state without any ill-effects.
Facts about epilepsy
- In Australia, around 250,000 people are currently diagnosed with epilepsy
- The cause of epilepsy for 50 per cent of people remains unknown
- 800,000 Australians will develop epilepsy in their lifetime
- 1 in 3 people with epilepsy will not gain full seizure control with medication
- Around the world an estimated 65 million people have epilepsy at any given time
- Most people have their first seizure before the age of 20. The next most vulnerable group is the elderly; however, epilepsy can develop at any age.
- Epilepsy is the fourth most common brain disorder after migraine, stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease.
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Types of epilepsy
There are many different types of seizures. Seizures that occur in just one part of the brain are called partial seizures. Seizures that affect the whole brain are called generalised seizures. It is not uncommon for people with epilepsy to experience more than one seizure type.
The effect that a seizure has on a person depends on which part of the brain is involved. The effects may include:
- An altered state of consciousness
- Uncontrolled body movements
- Alterations in sensation, perception, emotion and/or autonomic functions (e.g. pulse rate) or all of these in various combinations.
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About Epilepsy
Workplace modifications
To ensure your needs are met in the workplace we may discuss with you and your employer the following adaptions:
- Maintaining consistent work hours to minimise disruption to sleep patterns
- Limit exposure of flashing lights
- Risk mitigation of heights, driving and stress
Whilst there is no legal requirement for an employee to disclose their epilepsy to their employer or colleagues, if people in your workplace are aware of your condition, it may reduce risks associated with a seizure. Disclosing your epilepsy gives your employer the ability to organise in-house seizure first aid training to help your coworkers assist you if you were to have a seizure at work.
Reference: Epilepsy Queensland
Make March Purple for Epilepsy
We posed some questions to Educators from Epilepsy Queensland for guidance on navigating employment and workplace safety.
Contact us
Give us a call on 1300 635 627 to discuss your employment goals with our Mylestones team, or send an online enquiry and we'll be in touch.