In Australia, the majority of people with epilepsy and other conditions involving seizures or blackouts achieve good control through the use of medication and many become seizure free. It should not be assumed that people who continue to experience seizures or are taking medication cannot work or do their job, although it is important that both the employer and employee are aware of the implications in the workplace (Epilepsy in Action 2006).
The Epilepsy Action Australia web site has information for employers about safe working practices where seizures may be involved, including answers to some of the commonly asked employer questions (site will open in a new window):
For people who experience seizures, as well as those taking high doses of medication or more than one medication type, there may be an impact of varying degrees to their attention, concentration and memory.
Problems with concentration, attention and memory can be present before, during and between seizures and their effects on brain or cognitive function can be both long and short term. For example, short term effects may include memory loss for the time leading up to and immediately after a seizure, whereas longer term effects between seizures could include an overall reduced capacity to concentrate or remember names, dates, conversations etc. (Epilepsy Action Australia 2006).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A number of strategies can be used in the workplace when an employee is experiencing seizures and blackouts, particularly if these seizures and blackouts have an impact on attention, concentration and memory. These include (Epilepsy Action Australia 2006):
- scheduling the early part of the working day for ‘attention demanding’ tasks or activities
- allowing the employee the necessary recovery time after a seizure or blackout to ensure that the person is safe and fit to return to work
- being conscious of stress levels in the workplace, as high stress can affect the ability to concentrate and remember information
- establishing a buddy programme with a co-worker to help the employee feel comfortable talking to someone in the workplace when experiencing attention, concentration or memory difficulties after a seizure or blackout
- breaking down job tasks into small steps and using visual prompts for each step in order to assist workers to refocus and continue with the task after a seizure or blackout (for example, use a pin up board or white board displaying flow charts)
- providing employees with to do lists and schedule regular breaks.
There are also various aids and products available that can assist with focusing attention and concentration, particularly for the office environment. Examples include:
And similarly for memory:
The following related information may also be useful for coping with seizures and blackouts at work:
References
Epilepsy Action in Australia 2001—2006, Lifestyle Issues—Memory, Epilepsy Association, Sydney, viewed 11 June 2007, <http://www.epilepsy.org.au/memory.asp>.