Should I disclose Epilespy?

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Specializes in MEDSURG.

I have epilepsy. Ive only had 5 seizures in my entire life. All the results from exhaustion and stress. I have found a great medication and haven't had seizures since being on it. My medication before made me groggy, gain weight, have word fishing problems and a hard time with talking clearly. Basically I would talk and forget words and then try to use context clues to tell everyone what I was trying to say. Most of that has resolved even though it is not completely gone yet. Im worried that not being able to articulate well will hinder me getting into nursing school and finding a good job. Any advice? Anyone going through this too? If someone doesn't hire me because of it, is it considered discrimination if I tell them I have epilepsy? Should I just not say anything at all?

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What does your physician advise?

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Specializes in MEDSURG.

I will be speaking to her in a week so I will ask then.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I have epilepsy & bipolar disorder. I have disclosed my epilepsy & had no issues. I would never tell an employer I have bipolar disorder for fear of retribution.

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Specializes in NICU.

Nursing school can and will cause you stress and exhaustion. You need to tell the instructors and class that you have epilepsy. While you may never have a seizure during class or clinical, they can be prepared if a seizure occurs. This will not keep you from getting into a program.

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AS for school, I think you should definitely disclose it to your instructors, no one else needs to know. As Guy said, nursing school is STRESSFUL. It would be terrifying for someone to have a sudden seizure with no one knowing it is a potential problem and it could lead to an unneccesary trip to the ED for you! You can always start out by saying something like "I just want you to know that I have epilepsy. It has been controlled with medication for years and I've only had 5 seizures in my life, but I do have some word finding issues sometimes" and then you let them know what they should do for you if you have a seizure. I think the same goes for an employer. They do NOT need to know you have epilepsy prior to hiring, in my opinion.

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