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Sorry to hear this. I suggest disclosing, and asking for an accommodation to avoid Zoom calls for the 3 day trial period. Good luck!
I've been in a similar situation (and had the same hospital-based EEG in college). Often, with reasonable coworkers, you can ask for accommodation without disclosing your condition. Saying "I will be undergoing a diagnostic test and my medical team would like me to work during this time but I will be unable to take video calls" is often enough. If you get pushback (which seems unlikely), you could end up having to disclose. For what it's worth, the partners I work for know that I have chronic medical problems and it hasn't prevented me from getting more responsibility.
I think it is fair to say you are having some medical tests and plan to be working but will have intermittent availability for video and phone calls. You can even blame hospital policies if you'd rather just be available by email those days. I have one to four days of medical testing every year for an underlying medical condition, and have always just sent a note to my team saying I will be having tests and what my availability will be. Nobody has ever asked follow up questions, but after a few years, I've let some people know more info on my own terms. I usually include a parenthetical in my email to keep it light, like (nothing too serious - just following doctor's orders), so people don't get weird.
My underlying condition does not greatly impact my life and is not apparent from looking at me, so it's not something I typically talk about with people who don't know me well (in any aspect of my life, not just work). My work and dedication speak for themselves, so nobody who does know at work has changed their view of me as a result, but it just isn't something I bring up in conversation too often.
Completely unrelated to how to handle this at work - but my brother used to have several seizures a day, with no relief from his meds, until he started using non hallucinogenic cannabis spray. It’s worked wonders for him and I had to recommend.
Wish you the best luck! Epilepsy is a tough condition to have while simultaneously dealing with the challenges of being a lawyer. If you ever feel discouraged remember that what you’re doing is nothing less than amazing.
I have a child who had epilepsy. We got involved with our state’s Epilepsy Foundation. They are a treasure trove of information and may be able to provide you with some helpful resources and insight.
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I don’t want stigma to keep partner from giving me more responsibility or stifling my career. It’s not like I’m convulsing on the floor randomly in the day. I just space out for a few seconds. I guess epilepsy is covered under ADA. Feeling scared. Any advice?
I have a similar issue except I’m way more worried about actual effects on work than any stigma. I think maybe it has to do with your particular partners.
I have narcolepsy and would have to go off Adderall (I was misdiagnosed with ADHD, which fortunately has the same initial treatment) for two weeks to get the sleep study to confirm diagnosis for insurance (which I would like so I can get other medication covered that is unique to narcolepsy—and much more effective). So basically I’ll be very symptomatic during those two weeks, meaning I’ll fall asleep at work and have all the real negative effects of extreme sleep deprivation. I’ve put off the sleep study for a year mostly because of how miserable I am without meds, but also partly because it makes work seem impossible.
If I didn’t have to go off meds for two weeks and just had to get testing, I would feel very comfortable going to my partners and telling them I just won’t be able to do zoom meetings for a few days. I’d probably send a followup email just to document the conversation, mostly so they don’t forget (but yes, there’s the bonus that you’d have documentation for HR).
Rising Star
You can dial in to most of those calls. Maybe ask for accommodations or say nothing. Sometimes, people scroll too fast or the screen blinking give me a migraine so there are all kinds of reasons not to be on the video. When my kids and husband are online, my connection is the pits so just go with that!
Pro
I’m worried there will be hospital beeping or a doctor will come in during rounds and I’ll have to end call quickly.
I would suggest disclosing to hr and at least one partner with whom you closely work for several reasons.
You want ADA protection in case shit does not the fan. You are also entitled to a reasonable accommodation under it. That might help you be out of the office at certain times.
And employers tend to take these issues pretty seriously. An employment lawsuit from a former lawyer will be expensive.
Most likely, your firm will be supportive and you will be glad you supposed. If they aren’t, you’ll know through your performance reviews. At that point, you can look for something else.
They know it’s not a good look to let you go before building some progressive discipline.