LEA Living with Epilepsy in the World of Work/Work Integration Using the Example of a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Background/Purpose: W is a mechanical engineering apprentice. W is supposed to be terminated after an epileptic seizure. The occupational physician pronounces a 10-year work ban for the apprenticeship. This means termination of the apprenticeship. W's apprenticeship supervisor contacts LEA.

Methods: W had first epileptic seizures at the age of 10 years. After medication, W was seizure-free. W began apprenticeship in dream job: mechanical engineer.

After 5 years of being seizure-free, W had an epileptic seizure at work. The occupational physician in charge banned W from work.

The epilepsy consultant investigated the seizure event: Fall, loss of consciousness, convulsions on arms and legs, no inappropriate actions. Applying the guideline “Epilepsy in the Workplace,” the result is hazard category C. In addition, the circumstances of the seizure were analyzed by LEA. At the time of the seizure, W was under a lot of pressure: in addition to his apprenticeship, W was studying for his school-leaving exams, and in addition, one of his parents was seriously ill.

In the process of a workplace inspection, the work environment and the activities to be performed by the affected person, the mode of operation and safety precautions of machines, etc. are recorded. Conclusion: With hazard category C, the continuation of the apprenticeship is not advisable.

The attending neurologist assessed W's seizure as a seizure under adverse circumstances.

Based on this assessment, a long-term absence of seizures was assumed again and there were no objections to continuing the apprenticeship from a neurological point of view.

The occupational physician did not agree with this reasoning. Therefore, an authorized expert was consulted. The expert endorsed the opinion on W's ability to work and lifted the work ban.

Results: W was able to continue his apprenticeship, back to milling, drilling and welding. Without the successful collaboration of neurologists and LEA, W's job would have been lost.

Conclusion: A decision about the ability to work is complex and has to be made individually in cooperation of epileptologist, occupational physician and preferably an epilepsy consultant.

Publication History

Article published online:
28 October 2021