Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by coroloro on Mon, 2009-11-09 - 09:02

I think there is a serious misconception in this statement.  Not every form of ep. is the same!  If I say "I have seizures", people automatically assume I have full seizures, and that , like you say with the person who posted this comment, I will have one and toss knives everywhere.  I presently cook professionally at a grocery store, using sharp knives, boiling water, etc every day.  I've never once had a problem- but I don't have grand mal seizures.  The only full one I've ever had was when I was 18 years old, during my initial and first onset of seizures.  I am now 29 years old, and have not had a seizure that has caused me to loose consciousness since.  Since I started my medications at age 18, the only "seizures" I have had have been "partial complex seizures".  That is, I am conscious, aware, and in control- I remember every moment, and am able to function.  The only sign of the seizure is slight twitches of my lips, sometimes into a frown... also, during the seizure, I have some emotional effects, something like the feelings you get after waking up from a strong dream.  I am aware immediately that I am having the seizure, and am able to compensate for the "lack of processing power", and even try to hide the fact my lips are twitching (twitching lips are the worst of the side effects, as well).  It has been this way for 9 years.

 Now, if I did not have access to my medications- yes, it is possible I could reach the level of grand mal, full seizures again.

I'm on here looking at the military myself just as this fellow is- but it looks like the real risk is that the military does not want to risk us NOT having access to our medications.  If supply lines are cut off, if for some reasons meds are not available... if we're captured and held hostage, etc... they don't want their soldiers going into epileptic fits.

But, I do not like you making a blanket statement about epilepsy and cooking, or other jobs that require a steady hand and consciousness.  I have safely operated heavy machinery and delicate equipment for 9 years now without fail or danger- not every "seizure" is the same.

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by angelacarwile on Tue, 2009-07-28 - 08:57

I served 13 years in the Navy. I was forced to retire last year because of Adult onset Epilepsy (TLE) that came out of nowhere. I had no family history or head injury; the cause is still unknown. It was devistating, but I came to realize that I was a huge liability and a danger to myself and others due to Epilepsy. As much as I loved the Navy and wanted to stay, I had to throw in the towel. I'm sorry kiddo, but as someone else stated earlier there is no way you can get in the military, (any branch) with E. Before I retired I was a Navy Counselor Chief, Career Recruiting Force, so I'm speaking from experience. The only way a waiver can be processed is if the seizure was an isolated incident, that requires no medication, not diagnosed as epilepsy and hasn't happened within the last 5 years. If a recruiter tells you otherwise, he or she is lying. In which case, you may be asked to lie and let me warn you - If you lie it will come back to bite you later. The govt. can and will find out when they run your background check. By no means am I trying to scare you or question your integrity, only trying to help. I've worked with so many kids that would do anything to get into the military and serve their country and because of medical circumstances beyond their control, they're not eligible. I wish you nothing but the best. There are so many other ways to fulfill your dreams, never give up!! God Bless.