Epilepsy and statement of effect on day to day activities

[singvict]

I have taken daily medication for epilepsy that I have had for many years and this has controlled my disability for more than 10 years but I have recently suffered a recurrence of seizures due to stress at work.

The type of seizure I always suffer is a grand mal or tonic clonic where I have fits and eventually lose consciousness.

When I recover I have no recollection of the event.

 

I have been asked to provide a statement of the effect of my disability on my day to day activities.

 

I don't understand the question.

 

Can I just say that when I suffer a seizure I am unconscious for many hours and suffer memory loss and therefore I am incapable of any day to day activities?

[becky2585]

It needs to be more detailed than that, I'm afraid!

 

What the Tribunal is looking for here is a witness statement which deals only with how you perform normal daily activities. So, for example, your washing routine (eg if you cannot bathe alone), having to use public transport if your disability means you cannot drive, and any effect it could have on dressing, shopping, socialising, etc. Its important to understand the disability statement is about your disability in general life - not just work!

 

These are all just my examples based on previous experience, so you need to personally tailor it.

[singvict]

Thanks for the quick response Becky.

 

I am still confused.

 

My day to day activities are only affected if I have a seizure.

[assisted blonde]

Do you get warning signs of a seizure? if so are they bought on by certain circumstances? you say you are stressed at work and that has bought on the seizures therefore It think you need to show that XYZ cause you health problems. Therefore if you didnt have a certain situation you wouldnt have a seizure and it wouldnt affect your work. Does that make sense?

[Nystagmite]

You have to think about everything here. I had epilepsy as a child and have issues such as memory loss and behaviour. Apologies for this question; but do you soil yourself or anything during a seizure?

[becky2585]

In that case, try and focus on what you CAN'T do, or have to avoid doing, or have to adjust your life to do compared to a non epileptic person IN CASE you're at risk of having a seizure.

 

So one paragraph for example:

 

"I am unable to undertake simple, every day tasks such as bathing alone as there is a significant risk that if I were to have a fit, I could drown. I therefore either have to avoid having a bath completely, or someone has to sit with me to make sure I am safe".

 

Again though, it has to be your examples and your words!

 

It might also be worth including information on what could happen if you weren't taking your medication.

[singvict]

OK, so my statement of the effect on my day to day activities should read something along the lines of.

 

I have to avoid flashing lights such as strobe or camera.

 

I have to avoid anything mentally stressful (such as harassment or bullying) or becoming over excited..

[becky2585]

Yes, but you also need to highlight why you have to avoid those things - ie what would happen.