Medical restrictions to service

[BFG]

Hi

My only wish in life is to join the forces specifically the army, either in the RA or RE. However due to a history of epilepsy, this may be just a dream.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether it is still possible.

The details are that I have not had an attack for 8 years and have been off meds for 4.

I posted this on the general discussion forum, but thought I'd better do it here aswell.

Thanks

[Tab]

The noise and the flashes from the guns are known to induce epilepsey,
so you might be alright in at the moment but in forces, now that could be another story.

[Bootie]

Its the armys policy that any kind of epilepsy in your past means you cant join up but, when I was a baby I had a couple of fits that were thought to be caused by epilepsy so when I applied for the army they rejected me. However I appealed, and ive just been accepted. Its taken almost a full year because they had to try and find my medical records form 17 years ago and when they couldnt I was sent to see the armys neuroligist and had a EEG (Its a kind of brain scan). Luckily for me i past all the tests.

Its clear that my epilepsy was not as seriouse as yours and I havnt had any fits for the last 17 years (Im almost eighteen). So its going to be alot harder for you to get in, but you never know.
When you go to the army careers office to apply exsplain your problem and ask if you can get an appointment with the armys neuroligist. With a bit of luck you might still get in.

[RobT]

The details are that I have not had an attack for 8 years and have been off meds for 4.

I think they will be aware of that. If you havent shown any signs in such a long time then they may accept you but test you thoroughly to make sure. As what Tab said, it could come back again in the forces quite easily but all the best.

Rob