Can you be a DR with epilepsy?

There are no federal laws barring people with epilepsy from working as a nurse, physician, phlebotomist or other medical-related position. In fact, federal civil rights law, and many state laws, may protect your right to work in the medical profession.

Can I go to med school with epilepsy?

If you are having lots of seizures or taking medication, either of which can affect your concentration and learning, then an academic course with lots of coursework and exams may be a challenge. But if your seizures are well controlled, then having epilepsy may not impact on your learning at all.

What jobs can you not do if you have epilepsy?

People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk: police officer, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc. Epilepsy is a highly variable disorder and it is difficult to generalize about safety issues.

Is epilepsy a disability yes or no?

Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. For epilepsy to qualify for disability benefits, it must meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing.

Is epilepsy covered under FMLA?

An employee with epilepsy who needs continuing or intermittent leave, or a part-time or modified schedule, as a reasonable accommodation also may be entitled to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

What does an epilepsy nurse do?

Epilepsy specialist nurses play a key role in supporting continuity of care between settings for people with epilepsy. There is some evidence that epilepsy specialist nurses improve clinically important outcomes such as knowledge, anxiety and depression for people with epilepsy in secondary and tertiary care.

Can you go to school if you have seizures?

Most children with epilepsy attend school and can participate in all activities. Some may need to take medicine at school, require help with certain subjects, or be given extra time on tests. They may have seizures at school sometimes.

Can you get short term disability for seizures?

If you suffer from seizures that impact your ability to work, you may be eligible to get Social Security disability.

Can a person with epilepsy become a doctor?

People with epilepsy can become a doctor. They do not ask about it. However, I will tell you as someone who HAS epilepsy and was IN medical school, they will find out. They will attempt to kick you out as soon as you have a seizure at least that was the excuse my school gave.

How can I help end discrimination against people with epilepsy?

If you are facing discrimination because of epilepsy, or helping someone who is, use the fact sheet (s) as an advocacy tool. Share them with employers, employees, educators, healthcare professionals, or advocates – anyone who can help end discrimination for people with epilepsy.

What is the Legal Defense Fund doing to help people with epilepsy?

The Legal Defense Fund has prepared a series of fact sheets and advocacy materials to educate the public about the legal rights of people with epilepsy. If you are facing discrimination because of epilepsy, or helping someone who is, use the fact sheet (s) as an advocacy tool.

Who is the chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation?

Earlier this year, Dr. Smith, chief of neurology at Spectrum Health in Michigan, became chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation. Being elected head of a national organization does not seem unusual for a doctor who is a well-recognized authority and advocate in his or her field.