• Thanks for stopping by. Logging in to a registered account will remove all generic ads. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Epilepsy (Merged)

  • Thread starter MuayThaiFighter
  • Start date
M

MuayThaiFighter

Guest
In the Canadian Forces what do they look at as being a disability and unfit for joining?

Can someone with a long history of Epilepsy,but suddenly hasn‘t had one for 4yrs.be able to join?
 
Hey MTF,

No offence, but you ask too many solitary questions. Rather than post each question individually, you should post them all in a single message or, at the very least, group similar messages together.

You may also want to do some research first on the DND, or do a search for the subjects previously posted on this site, before you go asking questions.

But, what you really need to do is go and talk to a recruiter.

This is my advice: CALL 1 800 856 8488 and arrange to speak to a CFRC recruiter in your town/city, etc. He/she will be able to provide you with all the details.

You may also want to visit a reserve unit in your area to get an idea on what they do, etc. The only problem is that reserve units are on summer stand-down, meaning that they will not likely be available until Sept.
 
In the Canadian Forces, there are a number of afflictions considered disabilies by the higher COC. This would include a tendency to:

- show concern for the welfare of troops under your command.

- point out serious flaws in any operational plan.

- ask questions when the briefer says "Any questions?"

- reply honestly when asked for your opinion.

- attempt to make people accountable for their actions ("I know that the sentry fell asleep, and didn‘t wake the drivers, so the whole brigade exercise kicked off two hours late, but you can‘t just go around charging people - it looks bad.")

These are a few of the most serious disabilites I can think of. I‘m sure I‘ve missed some. Anyone else?
 
Anything that will hold you back from getting the job done.
 
Hi, my name's Alex.. I'm 18 in Windsor, Ontario.

For the past 6 years I've had plans to join the Reserves, preferably Infantry. With plans to join the Regular Force later on.
However, this summer I was diagnosed with epilepsy.. I've had maybe 5 serizures in my life time, sometimes up to 2 and half years inbetween incidences.. I'm on medication now, rarely taking it because personally I don't see the need. So it's obviously not a serious issue..

My neurologist is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.. I just became a patient of his this last May, but about 3 years ago he examined me once when I went into the emergency room after having a seizure.. He said i WAS NOT epileptic..... but all of a sudden he's had a change of heart and has decided to burden me with this door closing label..

So... My question to anyone with who knows is this.

IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE FOR ME TO PROVE TO BORDEN THAT I CAN PERFORM ALL OF THE FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN FORCES?

Even, if I was to get a letter from my family physician stating that he did not see any problem with me being in the CF?

I've always been fairly active.. Infact, for 3 years I was on my school's wrestling team as well as a member of the Windsor Wrestling Club.. I've endured 4 and a half hours of physical punishment on my body, 5 times a week and sometimes weekends.. It does not affect me physically..

usually the only thing that'll trigger it is extreme force applied to a nerve in my left knee.. (I know that sounds odd)..

Anyway, I've been to the recruiting office, the recruiter told me to call Hamilton and ask them.. So I did.. And the women told me that she wasn't too sure, but to just go ahead and submit the application and see what happens..

Any info would be greatly appreciated...

*crosses fingers*

 
After my injury overseas I had an incident where I passed out.  A medic On the ground assessed that I was having a seizure.  I was sent to a neurologists, and had many tests done.  He declared that I was seizure free.  I then had to go on light duties for a period of 2 years, and prove, without medication, that I was fit for duty in the infantry.  I did and was able to carry on.

I would suggest that you sit down with your doctor, and discuss this with him/her.  The I would also suggest going to another Neurologist, and have a second assessment and oppinion of your state of health.

Trust me it is better to get this done on your terms and time, as opposed to waiting for the army to do this for you, as you a) may be rejected  from joining or b) get accepted and if you do have an occurrence, regardless whether it is a true seizure or not, you will have a heck of a long drawn out time with red tape and bureaucracy to kick you in the nuts.

tess
 
Keep in mind that seizures are a SYMPTOM not a condition.  There are many reasons why an individual may seizure and it could be a one time thing.  The fact that you've been diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition, almost certainly may be a problem.  I will defer to the medical types on here for more specifics.

On a personal note, a guy on my basic training course had epilepsy and lied about it on his forms.  He seizured once while off duty (during course) and was taken to hospital.  He was released and not seen by us again. 
 
I appreciate the info..

Luckily enough I guess, my diagnosis is not set in stone.. I was sent for a sleep deprived EEG in June.. In about a month I'm going to see my Neurologist again for the results.. They say that Epilepsy shows through when you're extremely tired. Considering my seizures have only happened in odd and rare occasions, I'm 99.9999% sure that the test will ring false and I'll be problem free. My Physician has also gone and said that he didn't think it was epilepsy, as well as my physician before that and a couple clinic doctors along the way.

If (When) the test declares that I'm not an epileptic, my neurologist will have no basis to say it's epilepsy.. and he can finally stop screwing around ruining my life..

anyway, thanks again for the information. i'll just have to wait and see and hope for the best.
 
Interesting topic.

I just got gonged out of my application to Vancouver City Police last week because I had epilepsy as a kid(Not a huge deal, I'm already a LEO with the BCAG's office, so it's not like I'm out of a career or anything.  I also beat the ever loving shit out of thier testing, so I know I could do the job, it's just something outside of my control).  I'm now planning on finally getting around to joining the CF reserves, getting the ball rolling this week.  No time like the present!

On topic, a buddy of mine was a medic in the CF and I sounded him out.  I'm in a bit different of a boat than you, in that I was last on medication for it ~15 years ago(I'm 31), but the way I understand it works is that there were guys with epilepsy in both the regs and reserves.  There is apparently a grid based on severity, medications and time elapsed which determines if you can join and what trades.  As long as you don't want to fly a CF-18 or anything like that, you might be alright.

I haven't had an EEG in quite some time, but I remember hating them with a passion.  Good luck with yours.
 
Hi, I posted once before about this sometime in late October 2004..

Since then I've gone back to see my neurologist and what I said would likely happen in my October post happened.....

My epilepsy test came back negative!!.... now this should come as terrific news to me.. but.. no..

My neurologist is now contradicting everything he said prior to me taking this test. This test was supposed to be the say all do all and it was to determine with absolute accuracy whether or not I had epilepsy..... but now he's saying this isn't absolute..

our health care is ridiculous.. so anyway, it seems as though my life is slipping through the cracks, but i'm not giving up..

i'm making an appointment with another neurologist who i've seen a couple times in the past and from the beginning he has always said that they're not seizures and it's not epilepsy..

Now, what I'd like to know from all of you

This has been asked before I'm sure.... but if Borden is aware that a neurologist has cleared me of any such conditions, am I good to go?

I've talked to the recruiter, I've called who the recruiter has told me to call, noone has answers.....

Any opinions on this would be appreciated...

And sorry for the form of my post i was trying to just jot down the relative stuff

thanks in advance
 
You want to talk to the Medical Technician not the damn recruiter.  You need to provide the documentation that is required and a decision will be made on that documentation.  No one but the Recruiting Medical Officer (RMO) knows your chances.  Good Luck.
 
Hello everyone,

I am currently considering the opportunity to apply as a reservist. Only problem is that I was diagnosed with epilepsy back in 1995.  However, I’ve only had partial seizures (never fully lost conscience). I’ve had those seizures for approx 6 months. Last one goes back in 1996; and nothing since then. I am allowed to drive my personal vehicle.  I take medication on a preventative basis.

My question is: Once you were diagnosed with epilepsy, no matter how long since you’ve had a seizure, does this automatically rejects you from the process or such medical conditions addressed on a “case by case” basis?

Thanks!!
 
Your best bet is to ask the recruitment centre and find out. Or...apply and see if you if you clear the medical. You will never know until you try.

Good luck.
 
They'll probably want a letter of some type from your neurologist and/or specialist. Now I don't have epilepsy nor have I ever had it, but I did at one time have an unknown neurological condition which had never been diagnosed. My application was initially rejected do to this fact and therefore I was required to have my neurologist send the CF a letter with her assessment. After that I was good to go for the medical and the rest of my application went smoothly.

A lot of medical issues are case by case and will probably depend on what your specialists and doctors will have to say about your medical situation. Give it a try, you can't succeed if you don't.
 
Thanks for the input.....

I've read a couple of posts on this forum and it appears that yes it is case by case.....Furthermore, i also learned that certain positions require stronger results on medical tests (ex. Pilot)

Based on my civilian education - carrer path i am interested in intelligence position, which i beleive is less demanding from a medical point of view, i think i still have a chance..... 
 
It doesn't matter what Trade you apply for in the CF, you still have to meet the Medical requirements.  There are no exceptions.  Also, many Trades are Trades that you can not enter unless you are serving in the CF and have attained experience and 'rank'.  In this case, I believe you would require fours years and Cpl rank to be considered for Intelligence, a Trade that prefers to recruit from the Combat Arms.
 
There is only one place to get the answer to your question. That is the Recruiting Centre and enrolment medical. Anything else / here is pure speculation. Good luck.
 
Hi, Ive been in the military for 2 years now.  I have a kind of partial epilepsy, having complex partial seizures occasionally. I can still perform my job, and I have done well since getting to battallion. I have never been diagnosed and thus there are no medical records of my condition. I have done extensive research, and so I am sure that what I am assuming to be epilepsy, and complex partial seizures, as such.  I am afraid of going to seek medical help for fear of being kicked out of the military or suited unfit to perform on tour, which we will be going next year. I have been able to do my job and do it well, so I also have the idea that I will be fine without medical treatment, but of course it is a disease, and shouldnt be left untreated..... So Im between a rock and a hard place. Im also not sure on the medical policies, or how they would deem me unfit for service...
Any Advice would be great
Thanks
 
You have a responsibility to report this condition to the medical staff.  Keeping things such as seizures a secret, is not only unsafe for you, but for those around you.  Go to the MIR.  It is your health.
 
I would seek medical attention to confirm your concerns about your self diagnosed disorder. It would be better to have it treated now then to end up needing immediate medical attention when you are on exercise or on tour. If you were to have an ‘episode’ when you are armed there is no way to tell what would happen and you may injure yourself or a member of your team. Furthermore, it would be better to nip this in the but now before the disorder may escalate to a point where it may be untreatable.

My 2 cents
 
Back
Top