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# 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)

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