Social class, epileptic activity, and disadvantage at work

Abstract

A community sample of 94 adults with epilepsy were interviewed in their homes by a sociologist and a neurologist. Less than half of those who had worked full-time after the onset of their seizures could recall that their careers had been inhibited by their epilepsy, yet most felt 'at risk' and chose to conceal their condition from their employers or potential employers. Disadvantage in employment was found to be related both to a working class status and to a high rate of epileptic activity. We suggest that epileptics are prone to deny themselves career opportunities.