Impact of the new fitness regulation for epilepsy

In 1983, a new regulation was prepared, based on clinical reports published at that time, redefining the fitness standards for those applicants to the military who had experienced one or more seizures during childhood or early adult life. The most important change admitted those who had been free of seizures and off medications for 5 years or more and who had normal EEGs. Only 2 of 155 soldiers enlisted in 1986 and 1987 meeting these criteria were separated for seizure-related complaints. Both had problems during basic training and the diagnosis of recurrent epilepsy was tenuous in both. We conclude that the regulation change has given many young adults a chance to serve effectively in the Army without appreciable increase in medical or training costs.