Plasma donation is a process where the liquid portion of the blood is collected and used to create life-saving therapies. Individuals with a history of epilepsy are often able to donate, but eligibility depends entirely on the stability and control of their condition. Because the donation process involves strict safety standards, donors must meet stringent criteria related to seizure frequency and medication use. The screening process determines if an individual’s chronic condition is sufficiently managed to allow for a safe donation.
Eligibility Based on Seizure History
The primary consideration for plasma donation eligibility is the length of time a person has been seizure-free. Donation centers adhere to regulations that require a sustained period without seizure activity to confirm the condition is stable. While specific timeframes can vary, the typical requirement in the United States is a minimum deferral period of three months to one year following the last seizure. This deferral is in place to protect the donor from a potential adverse event during the donation.
The loss of blood volume during the apheresis procedure can sometimes trigger a vasovagal reaction, causing light-headedness or fainting. For someone with a history of epilepsy, this episode could theoretically increase the risk of triggering a seizure. Centers must differentiate between a person with a distant history of well-controlled epilepsy and one with active, uncontrolled seizures. Any recent change in seizure type, frequency, or diagnosis typically results in an immediate and temporary deferral until the condition stabilizes.
Medication Restrictions
The medications used to treat epilepsy, known as Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs), are a second major factor in determining eligibility. In most cases, taking a prescribed AED does not automatically disqualify a donor, provided the condition is stable and controlled. Most common AEDs are permissible because the small amount of medication transferred to the recipient is considered physiologically insignificant due to the dilution effect in the plasma product.
The stability of the medication regimen itself is a more important pharmaceutical requirement. Donors must generally be on a consistent, stable dose of their AED for a required period, often three months. A recent change, such as initiating a new AED or adjusting the dosage, will usually result in a temporary deferral. This waiting period ensures the donor’s seizure control is maintained following the adjustment.
Disqualifying Medications
Certain non-epilepsy medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), are permanently disqualifying for all plasma donors. These medications pose a risk of excessive bleeding and bruising during the procedure.
Safety Protocols During Donation
The strict eligibility rules exist primarily to ensure the safety of the donor while they are connected to the apheresis machine. This machine draws whole blood, separates the plasma, and returns the remaining blood components, a process that takes around 90 minutes. A seizure during this process presents a distinct risk of injury, especially due to the presence of needles and the mechanical circuit.
A specific concern is the anticoagulant used in the apheresis machine, typically citrate, which prevents the blood from clotting. Citrate works by binding to calcium, and rapid infusion can cause a drop in ionized calcium levels. This drop may lead to side effects like tingling, muscle twitching, or, rarely, seizure. Plasma centers mitigate these risks by conducting a detailed medical history and physical assessment before every donation, confirming the donor is in good health.