Epilepsy - Whole blood and components

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

1. Requiring treatment for epilepsy.
2. Has had an epileptic episode in the last 3 years.

Discretionary

Previous epilepsy:

If a person with a past history of epilepsy has, for the past 3 years, neither required anticonvulsant therapy, nor been subject to fits, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Malignancy
• Neurosurgery

Additional information

Faints following donation can lead to epileptiform convulsions. This is caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain. This could lead to a true epileptic fit in a person with a recent history of epilepsy.

It may also cause difficulties with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and/or employment in a person who has been free from fits for some time.

Regulatory information

This entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.

Reason for change:

The 'Discretionary' entry has been modified and further 'Additional Information' has been added.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 01 (01 June 2010)