You and school
Most teens with epilepsy finish high school and go on to college or university - if that's what they want.
You and the teacher
Your teachers and the school administration need to learn about first aid for seizures. Help them out! Give them pamphlets and information on epilepsy. Some associations offer information sessions for schools - to demystify epilepsy. When you start university, get a letter from your doctor that details your medical history and medications.
Memory problems?
Do you have memory problems? That's common, particularly if you have tonic-clonic seizures or take high doses of antiepileptic meds. If remembering is a real challenge- and source of frustration - there are helpful strategies that you can use.
Living ON YOUR OWN
- Living in a university residence? Tell your fellow residents about your epilepsy, and make sure they know about first-aid treatment
- Telling your roommates will help them be better prepared to handle a seizure
- Eat healthy and exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid typical on-campus "me-too" traps like alcohol and drug abuse
Tips for success
- Stay ahead - don't leave things 'til the last minute.
- Take a lighter class load.
- Keep a monthly schedule of deadlines to meet.
- Avoid part-time work 'til you graduate.
- Avoid all-night cramming sessions.
Education
Getting a job
You can find work and be a good employee - epilepsy doesn't have to get in the way.
People with epilepsy are often more productive on the job. They take less time off than their co-workers. The BIG question is: When do you tell the boss about your epilepsy? ONLY YOU can make that choice, depending on the job and your comfort level.
Do it NOW OR LATER?
Before you're hired
Advantages
- Honesty
- Peace of mind
- Discuss epilepsy
- Reduce risk of discrimination
Disadvantages
- Discrimination
- Disqualification
- Emphasis on epilepsy
On the job
Advantages
- Can prove yourself first
- Control information
- Reduce risk of discrimination
- Educate others about epilepsy
Disadvantages
- Boss's distrust/fear
- Inability of co-workers to respond
- Discrimination
- Misunderstandings
- Safety concerns
Choosing a career
Human rights codes prevent any discrimination against people with epilepsy. Only a few professions are off-limits to people with epilepsy in most countries (for safety reasons):
- Airline pilot
- Transportation driver
- Military services
- Construction
Workplace safety
Most businesses have safety rules to protect you and your co-workers from on-the-job injuries. Check them out! Some businesses levy fines for breaking the rules.
Common safety "rules & regs"
- Discuss epilepsy with your co-workers.
- Provide information about first aid for seizures.
- Avoid heights.
- Check for safety features when working with heavy machinery.
- Limit exposure to flashing lights and use dark glasses, if needed.
- Reduce stress as much as possible.
- Give your doctor's phone number and names of relatives to contact.
- Wear a Medic Alert bracelet.