General Question

Kokoro's avatar

Can you be hired for a job if you have pseudo seizures?

Asked by Kokoro (1424points) July 16th, 2010

My friend needs to find a job and she says she doesn’t think she can because of her medical issues. Is this true?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

6 Answers

gailcalled's avatar

What is a pseudo-seizure?

Seaofclouds's avatar

It depends on the job and the severity of her medical condition. She should ask her doctors if they think she is able to work and if she should have any restrictions while working.

wundayatta's avatar

From the Department of Labor:

QUESTION: What are my obligations as an employer under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and where can I get technical assistance?

Employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from discriminating against qualified applicants or employees with disabilities. Information about employer obligations under the ADA can be obtained from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 800–669-4000 (voice), or 800–669-6820 (TTY). Information can also be obtained from the federally sponsored Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs) in your area at 800–949-4232.

Employers should also determine obligations they may have under state law.

If she is disabled because of her condition, she should be able to get a job that she is qualified for, and her employer will have to make reasonable accommodations.

mrentropy's avatar

My wife had pseudo-seizures; so I was told by many emergency room doctors. According to them, it’s a seizure that is brought on by stress and psychological issues rather than physical.

They treated it like a grand mal and usually pumped her up with Dilantin.

I suppose it would depend on what triggers it for your friend. In my wife’s case, she only suffered from seizures when she drank too much (way too much).

erikaziger's avatar

Simply do not disclose that you have the seizures when you interview. It is illegal for the employer to ask if you have medical issues.

Pandora's avatar

Speaking as someone who has had seizures in the past, I say it is true. A future employers does not have to say why they did not hire you. Now I would never apply for jobs that would put others at risk. Like being a driver or something of that nature. But I remember seeing some applications where they would ask if you ever suffered from a seizure or fainting. Most companies want to avoid possible law suits if you get injured. All I know is that whenever I wrote the truth, I wouldn’t even be called for an interview. The moment I started to withhold that info, I would get interviews that lead to work.
I don’t know if they still have that question any more but there is still that part where they usually ask you if there is anything that you feel the company should know that may hamper your ability to perform your job. So the moment you check no and if something should happen where there is the possibilty that they may be sued, than they can fire you for lying on your application and you can not sue or get medical coverage.
If you don’t sign the full disclosure aggrement than your still dead in the water.
They say you don’t have to disclose anything medical but its damn if you do and damn if you don’t.
You do disclose = no job offer
You don’t disclose = possibly getting fired for lying

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther