NOTES

Some individuals with epilepsy react to minor stress by having fits. It is important that additional risks should be avoided

 ACCEPT:

• With discretion, a known epileptic who has not required anti-convulsant therapy for three years and has not had a seizure during this time 

 PERMANENTLY EXCLUDE:

•  Anyone on medication for epilepsy

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Some individuals with epilepsy react to minor stress by having fits.  It is important that additional risks should be avoided to maintain donor safety. Faints following donation can lead to epileptiform convulsions. This is caused by a lack ofoxygen reaching the brain. This could lead to a true epileptic fit in a person with a recenthistory of epilepsy

It may also cause difficulties with the NDLS (National Driver Licence Service) and/or employment in a person who has been free from fits for some time

Directive 2004/33/EC has legislative requirement that donors who have a history of convulsions ‘other than childhood convulsions or where at least three years have elapsed since the date the donor last took anticonvulsant medication without any recurrence of convulsions’ are permanently excluded