Epilepsy and Military Service

Abstract

The prevalence of epilepsy in Turkey was found to be 7 to 12.2 in 1000. If a mean prevalence of 10/1000 is accepted, according to the 2016 Turkish population census, there are about 134,000 epilepsy patients among men of military service age. Suitability for military service of epilepsy patients who are obliged to serve is determined by the Turkish Armed Forces, the Turkish Gendarmerie, and the Turkish Coast Guard Command Health Capability Ordinance (HCO). Men without disease or sequelae; or with disease or sequelae included in the A category of a list of diseases and sequelae are considered fit for service. Men with diseases or sequelae in the B and D categories are deemed not fit for service. Epilepsy disorders are reviewed in the 12th article of the HCO. In August 2016, military hospitals were assigned to the Ministry of Health. The authorization and responsibility to determine whether or not epilepsy patients and those with other disorders are fit for service now belongs to authorized hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health. The aim of this review was to offer some example templates as guidance to our colleagues performing this task.