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  • 1.  Employee with epilepsy

    Posted 12-09-2013 21:48
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussions: Forensic and Rehabilitation and Disability Case Management .
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    An aviation employer called regarding an employee with epilepsy. The employee has had two severe seizures at work recently. The employer does not have any office positions or sedentary.  Employee is 65 years old.  Please offer suggestions
    Thank you
    Kathy
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    Kathleen Trumm
    Case Manager
    kctkorcare@aol.com
    Massillon, OH United States
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  • 2.  RE:Employee with epilepsy

    Posted 12-10-2013 09:12
    Kathy - Are these new seizures, or breakthrough seizures?  Had the person been seizure free for a while?  Does the person experience an aura prior to having the seizures?  Has the person been following a medication regimen and/or is current with being seen by a neurologist?

    Was the person actually an aviator, or did he/she hold a different position with the company?  What are other transferable skills that the person has?  These would be some of the questions I would want answered in trying to help the person with medical management and selective placement.  If you know some of these answers and want to reply to the discussion group so that we can all brainstorm with you together, that would be great.  If not and you want to brainstorm with me privately, send me an e-mail or give me a call.

    Steve

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    Steven D. Shedlin, M.Ed., CRC
    Rehabilitation Experts of Maryland, Inc.
    One Research Court, Suite 450
    Rockville MD 20850

    (301) 962-6800
    (240) 599-1185 (fax)
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  • 3.  RE:Employee with epilepsy

    Posted 12-10-2013 09:21

    It would be helpful to know what the person's job title is.  Certainly, a look at the medication regimen seems warranted---has the person recently been shifted to generics, which we know in the neurology world are less satisfactory than many other  arenas?  Has the timing or dosing recently changed?

    Does the person have a type job where an assistive animal could accompany him, warning him of impending seizures, to either substitute or amplify purpose of an aura?

    Is the person's work schedule shifting?  If so, can a more regular schedule be provided, lessening the impact that shiftwork can have on precipitating seizures?

    Has the person recently had need for other medications that might be interfering with the efficacy of the seizure medication?  If so, is it a short-term challenge, or if not, can a Plan B be explored?

    What does the EMPLOYEE think is going on?  Does he have any suggestions?  

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    Patricia Eby, CRC, CDMS
    Voc Counselor/Nurse Case Mgr.
    pat_eby@juno.com
    Roanoke, VA United States
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