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can people with epilepsy drive?

Fri, 02/08/2008 - 13:51
can people with epilepsy drive? and Im wondering since they can have a siezure and might cuase a wreck

Comments

Re: can people with epilepsy drive?

Submitted by lcsmall on Mon, 2008-06-30 - 00:52
The laws do vary from state to state as some of you have said and there are exceptions.  I am from Alabama and the law now states that anyone having only nocturnal sezures may get a license. I think, too, that they changed the part about being seizure free from 1 year to 6 months.  No biggie.  Just be careful on the roads and know when and when not to drive.  I am lucky, as my seizures only occur while I am sleeping.  Of course it wakes me up but hey I will take that any day over not having a license.  Always check the laws of your state before getting a license; and if you are like I was when I was 32, take it to the courts!  I faught my battle and won!  I just have to be careful and know that if my meds have made me dizzy or I have not gotten enough sleep that I should not drive. Believe me, if you do take certain cases like this to court, know this DMV's around the nation don't want any hassle!  Just ask them to pull all the files of drunk drivers, people that drive down the wrong side of the road, people driving without licenses, etc... from the last 5 years!  You'll win your case!  The DMV's are so bogged down with other things and of course the police do not want to look bad, but only do this if you have have followed the rules and trulu believe that you are not a threat to yourself and others on the road.  In my case, I only had seizures at night but they still were not going to let me get my license.  So I hired a good attorney and he dove in head first and they gave in.  But I do stress to obey the laws of the time span for being seizure free.  Then if they still do not let you get a license take it to court!

Re: can people with epilepsy drive?

Submitted by tonialpha on Tue, 2009-07-28 - 13:31

When I initially was driving I was unaware that I was having simple partial seizures.  I did hear horns honking but did not know who they were honking at. One time I realized they were honking at me, I looked at the spedometer and noticed I was going real slow and I was in the fast lane.  I was attending college at that time.  I went to college and I went to class and had a grand mal seizure and the University contacted the state and my driver's license was taken away from me. 

 In one way I was mad but the Neurologist did an EEG and told me that I was having simple partial seizures during the EEG test.  It made sense to me why people were honking at me on the freeway.  I have not driven since then.  I feel I am very healthy.  I was working for a Police Dept at the time. 

 The Neurologist told me to work in the medical field and I changed my career and I did, and I have worked in the medical field for over 20 years.  I still do not drive.  I have a lot of friends that give me rides.  Some people think of it as a limitations but really it is an opportunity to meet people.  I have been able to get jobs and meet people this way it is not a limitation!

When I initially was driving I was unaware that I was having simple partial seizures.  I did hear horns honking but did not know who they were honking at. One time I realized they were honking at me, I looked at the spedometer and noticed I was going real slow and I was in the fast lane.  I was attending college at that time.  I went to college and I went to class and had a grand mal seizure and the University contacted the state and my driver's license was taken away from me. 

 In one way I was mad but the Neurologist did an EEG and told me that I was having simple partial seizures during the EEG test.  It made sense to me why people were honking at me on the freeway.  I have not driven since then.  I feel I am very healthy.  I was working for a Police Dept at the time. 

 The Neurologist told me to work in the medical field and I changed my career and I did, and I have worked in the medical field for over 20 years.  I still do not drive.  I have a lot of friends that give me rides.  Some people think of it as a limitations but really it is an opportunity to meet people.  I have been able to get jobs and meet people this way it is not a limitation!

Re: can people with epilepsy drive?

Submitted by toddswed2169 on Fri, 2013-05-17 - 16:14
I have never been able to drive. IMy life is very limited, and I don't have freedom as some do. Everyone who regularly drives takes it for granted. It is a privilege.

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