1st seizure - studying to be a paramedic - CAN I STILL?

[llaurabella]

I am in school to be a paramedic and I just had my 1st seizure at 38 years old. They don't know what caused it, I am having an MRI and EEG to find out more information. I live in Ontario Canada and I am wondering if I can still be a paramedic if I have epilepsy (I will be diagnosed officially IF I have another seizure) Anyone with information I would be very grateful.

Thank you for your time.

[Ann T.]

llaurabella:
Hi. Well, to cause the 2nd seizure from never, ever happening, I'd like to suggest a few things, and other more knowlegeable CWE members feel free to chime in with your own suggestions:
1. Take any and all anti-seizure meds (anti-epileptic drugs) on time. If you're not sure when to take your meds, never feel shy about asking your neurologist or your primary care M.D. when to take them. Set your cell phone alarm or wristwatch alarm at those times so you don't forget when to take them.
2. Keep a journal. If you can remember what triggered your 1st seizure, such as lack of sleep, negative stress, even your time of the month, or if it was something you ate the day (or night) of the seizure, make sure to avoid the negative stress & foods that may have caused it, improve sleeping habits, & your 'time of the month'...well if you're as regular as clockwork, you may not have much to worry about in that dept. Then again, maybe it was hormonal fluctuations.
3. And finally, don't let this 1 incident shy you away from becoming a paramedic. Just become more aware of the potential trigger for your seizure. I'm sure you'll be a great paramedic, too. Take care, llaurabella!
Best Regards,
Ann *PS: You'll also quickly discover the wealth of information that's readily shared among us all, & CWE is a great source of friendship & camraderie. I hope you enjoy your stay, & come visit often.

[epileric]

I agree with Ann. Do everything you can to not have that 2nd seizure. I know in a lot of places You have to have more than 2 or more seizures to be classified as epileptic & even if you are classified that way it is illegal for anyone to deny you a job in Ont. because of it.

I do know that you have to go 1 year without a seizure in Ont. before you can drive though, & I don't know how that would effect your job..

[RobinN]

Actually, you shouldn't be placed on medication after only one seizure. Anyone can have one seizure for many reasons. However, if you have a second seizure, your % chance of having more increases dramatically. That is when the medical community will begin to talk about medication with you.

I would look at whether or not you are getting enough rest.
I would also suggest that you honestly consider whether your nutritional intake is adequate and healthy.
If you have any other health issues, make sure that you take care of them.
Look at this seizure as a warning that something is not right in your system. Seizures are a symptom. Consider that you have lived ___ yrs seizure free. Everyone has a seizure threshold. Why is your threshold lower now?

[Nakamova]

Hi llaurabella --

I had my first seizure at 35, out of the blue. My EEG turned up positive so I was put on meds. I wish I hadn't been medicated right away, however -- It would have been great to have been given detailed advice about triggers and given a chance to see if lifestyle changes (especially related to diet) could have made a difference. I hope you can figure what factors might have lowered your seizure threshold, and then learn to avoid them.

Other than any driving restrictions, you should be able to continue with your paramedic career. I hope you do! It's great to have someone familiar with seizures be on the front lines of potentially treating them.

[llaurabella]

Just wanted to say thank you for taking time to answer my post. I really appreciate it. ONE seizure every 38 years is what my family and I can hope for.

Thank you again.

[RobinN]

I hope for that too. Make sure you are getting enough rest, watching your diet (no additives, or sodas, etc), find ways to limit stress, and most important of all, ways to enjoy each day.