Non Epileptic Seizures and work

bluefox

Hello,

Does anyone else suffer with non-epileptic seizures?

What type of work could someone with this condition do?

Is supermarket working with pallets, heights etc safe? I’m not sure

I need some guidance. 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I was a hr manager in retail for over 30 years and we employed people with epilepsy.  Some had to avoid checkout work bug others didn't depends on your seizure triggers . Some also stacked shelves , worked on counters or in back office 

There are lots opportunities maybe smaller type shop work why not try volunteering in a charity shop to see how it suits you 

woodbine

As someone who also has epilepsy I would agree with Jane to try work as a volunteer in a charity shop to see how it goes, have you checked that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to ?
NES. are still seizures just with a different cause.

bluefox

I did work in a supermarket but how do you keep yourself safe?

woodbine

I suppose the answer ro that would be do you get any warning before your NES ?

bluefox

Sometimes and sometimes not. 

janer1967

Do you have any typical triggers you can avoid 

Working in a smaller retail outlet would be safer as long as it doesn't involve lone working and letting your colleagues know about your condition and any assistance you require 

bluefox

I’d say severe stress and anxiety tend to build up for me. Lack of sleep. I also get motor tics too. That’s a new symptom I’ve had for the past 6 months. Not sure if it’s related to NEAD or FND. 

So no lone working?

janer1967

Definitely NO to lone working and any reputable employer should not permit you.tl work on your own with your condition 

bluefox

So would that mean no working down an aisle on my own on a night shift for example

janer1967

No it wouldn't lone working means you would be the only person on the premises at any time during the shift 

bluefox

Ah. So I would be okay to work an aisle on my own as long as other people are in the building. 

What about first aiders

janer1967

There should be first aiders anyway in a supermarket on the night shift operation 

From experience tho working nights isn't compatible with people who have secures due to the disruption of the sleep pattern 

You should speak to your gp about this 

Also the employer should complete a pre employment medical screening and this may advise no overnight work 

I'm only playing devil's advocate here and telling you potential issues 

My earlier advice still stands you would probably be better off in a smaller retail environment rather than large supermarket but it isn't impossible to work for them 

bluefox

Does frequency of seizures matter when it comes to shelve stacking and moving heavy pallets and working at heights?

janer1967

As before it depends on triggers you need to seek advice from your gp about type of work you can do and if you get a job a referral to oh would be beneficial 

bluefox

woodbine said:

As someone who also has epilepsy I would agree with Jane to try work as a volunteer in a charity shop to see how it goes, have you checked that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to ?
NES. are still seizures just with a different cause.

I am claiming ESA, UC and PIP. I also claim for depression and anxiety.