Most people with epilepsy are capable of having fulfilling jobs. If you have epilepsy, you may have to make an extra effort to get and keep a good job in spite of some difficulties. However, the chances are good that you can succeed.

What are the problems?

Finding and keeping a good job can be one of the biggest challenges facing adults with epilepsy. Having a job is important for raising self-esteem, supporting a family, and affording health insurance. However, surveys show that unemployment rates among people with epilepsy are higher than for the general population. Here are some of the common reasons:

• Lack of training, skills, or on-the-job experience
• Lack of transportation
• Negative attitude of employers towards epilepsy
• Negative attitude of co-workers

Inadequate skills or experience
If you have epilepsy, seizures or side effects from medication may make it difficult for you to complete as much school or job training as you'd like. And because it can be difficult to get a job, you may not have enough work experience to qualify for the job you really want.

Lack of transportation
If you can't drive because of seizures, lack of transportation may keep you from being employed at all, or may make it hard for you to take a job where you can use all of your abilities and training. Public transportation may not be available and it's often impossible to find a carpool. If there's no family member or friend who can take you to work, you may be stuck at home.

Employers' concerns
Employers give many different reasons for not hiring a person with epilepsy:

• Concerns about your safety if you have a seizure at work
• Worry about the company's liability
• Concerns that you won't be able to function at your job
• The belief that you have psychological problems or trouble thinking
• Fear that a seizure will scare off customers, if the job involves dealing with the public

Co-workers' discomfort
Co-workers can also be part of the problem. They may not understand what epilepsy is. If they don't know what to do if they see someone having a seizure, they'll be uncomfortable when you're around.

What can help?

Assess your qualifications
If you have epilepsy, you should honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses. What jobs or careers are you qualified for? Many people benefit from seeing a vocational counselor who has experience working with people who have epilepsy. There may be job clubs available through your local Epilepsy Foundation affiliate.

Find transportation
Your city or local public service groups may offer transportation for people who can't drive. Social workers or job counselors may be able to tell you what is available in your area.

If moving is a possibility, you can look for a place to live that's convenient to public transportation—and give priority to jobs that are also close to public transport. Or look for housing and jobs within an easy walk of each other! You may even be able to find a good job you can do at home.

Educate employers and co-workers
The Epilepsy Foundation or local epilepsy center may offer educational opportunities for employers and co-workers. Even offering a brochure can be a start. When you start a new job, you may want to give co-workers specific information about what they should do if you have a seizure, if that's likely to happen while you're at work. Your attitude will go a long way in putting them at ease.

What are my legal rights?
Sometimes it is necessary to take legal action to keep a job. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on a person's disability if the person is capable of performing the essential duties of the job. If you feel that you have been fired or demoted because of your epilepsy (and your company's Human Resources Department is not able to help), think about seeing a lawyer. In many places, this kind of legal assistance is available at low cost.

Should I tell prospective employers about my epilepsy?
One issue that nearly always comes up is whether you should disclose your epilepsy on an employment application or during a job interview. This is a difficult topic and there is no right answer for every situation. In general, you may not have to tell your prospective employer that you have epilepsy if you are able to perform the essential duties of the job you are applying for.

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:12/15/06