Can You Be A Police Officer With Epilepsy UK?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

As long as your condition is stable, well-controlled and you have been seizure-

free

for at least 12 months, having epilepsy will not be a factor. However, your condition may require certain restrictions (which technically may also be considered as adjustments under the Equality Act).

Can you be a fireman with epilepsy?


There are no federal laws barring people with epilepsy

from working as a firefighter, police officer, correctional officer or in other law enforcement officer (LEO) jobs. In fact, federal civil rights law, and many state laws, may protect your right to work in these professions.

Can you be a policeman with epilepsy?


There are no federal laws barring

people with epilepsy from working as a firefighter, police officer, correctional officer or in other law enforcement officer (LEO) jobs. In fact, federal civil rights law, and many state laws, may protect your right to work in these professions.

Can people with epilepsy hold a job?

Safety-Sensitive Jobs & the Americans with Disabilities Act. 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.

Is epilepsy a protected disability?

Individuals with epilepsy are covered under the ADA, since epilepsy is a

physiological disorder

affecting the neurological system. Persons with seizure disorders therefore have an impairment that substantially limits participation in a major life activity (i.e., working).

Can I join the military if I have epilepsy?

For example, if you currently have epilepsy,

you would not be able to join the Armed Forces

, but if you had epilepsy as a child (when you were under five years old) or had a single seizure more than 10 years ago, you may be able to join.

Can you join the FBI with epilepsy?

The Federal Bureau of Investigations

does not have a policy restricting the employment of people with epilepsy

or a medical history of seizures. Each applicant’s fitness for duty is reviewed on an individual basis by medical staff as required by Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

What should you avoid if you have epilepsy?

  • Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed.
  • Feeling tired and not sleeping well.
  • Stress.
  • Alcohol and recreational drugs.
  • Flashing or flickering lights.
  • Monthly periods.
  • Missing meals.
  • Having an illness which causes a high temperature.

How does a person with epilepsy behave?

Many people who have epilepsy experience dysphoric episodes. These episodes, which can last between a few hours and a few days, consist of

depressive moods, irritability, lack of energy, pain, anxiety, insomnia, and euphoric moods

.

What food should epileptics avoid?


white bread

; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.

Do I need to tell my employer I have epilepsy?

No.

The ADA does not require applicants to voluntarily disclose

that they have epilepsy or another disability unless they will need a reasonable accommodation for the application process (for example, permission to bring a service animal to an interview).

Is epilepsy a mental illness?


Epilepsy is not a mental illness

. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.

What are the 3 types of seizures?

  • Generalized onset seizures:
  • Focal onset seizures:
  • Unknown onset seizures:

Does epilepsy go away?

While many forms of epilepsy require lifelong treatment to control the seizures,

for some people the seizures eventually go away

. The odds of becoming seizure-free are not as good for adults or for children with severe epilepsy syndromes, but it is possible that seizures may decrease or even stop over time.

Can epilepsy be cured?


There’s no cure for epilepsy

, but early treatment can make a big difference. Uncontrolled or prolonged seizures can lead to brain damage.

Can I get drafted if I have epilepsy?

According to the Department of Defense, the military discriminates against people with epilepsy because it wants military people to be available for worldwide service at

any time

and with few limitations.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.