Condition
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent brief episodes of involuntary shaking (seizures) which may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (general).
Individual at risk
Donor
Guidance at RECRUITMENT
ACCEPT if seizure-free for the previous 12 months WITHOUT medication.
DEFER if currently requiring medication
Guidance at CT/WORK-UP
ACCEPT if seizure-free for the past 12 months WITHOUT medication. Inform the anaesthetist at work-up of seizure history.
DEFER if currently requiring medication.
Justification for guidance
There is a potential increased risk for perioperative seizures due to the pre-existent condition or the proconvulsant effect of anaesthetic drugs, and also due to electrolyte changes experience during apheresis.
Anticonvulsant medications may cause abnormalities in blood counts, which may exacerbate those seen after PBSC.
References
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs999/en/index.html
Benish SM, Cascino GD, Warner ME, Worrell GA, Wass CT. Effect of general anesthesia in patients with epilepsy: a population-based study. Epilepsy Behav 2010; 17(1): 87-9.
Notes
ICD code 345