: Are persons with epilepsy employable?

Most often it is difficult for epileptic persons to find suitable employment after disclosing their epilepsy. On one hand, a person whose seizures are completely controlled without any disabilities should be considered on equal terms as anyone else for most of the jobs. On the other hand, someone who has poorly controlled seizures with some handicaps will not be able to find any job in the public or private sector.

As with other activities, the decision about job suitability should also be individualized keeping in mind the type and frequency of seizures and the associated handicaps. However, some jobs are not recommended for persons with epilepsy. These include defence services, fire services, working with unguarded machinery, working at heights, driving a motorized vehicle, railway engine driver etc. Persons with epilepsy whose seizures are well controlled should be acceptable for most of the other jobs. In case a person develops epilepsy while in service, than the employer should help finding a suitable alternate job for that person.