Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
myoclonic arms jerks, abnormal EEG... will I lose my license?
Sun, 11/23/2008 - 00:00I am new, and haven't done an intro yet, but the pressing Q of the day is how much longer can I drive?
VERY NEW... my PCP called with my EEG results and I haven't heard from my Neuro yet (She is probably wainting for the MRI results (I have possible MS symptoms as well) and I have a f/u app with her on Dec 4th). All my PCP told me was that the EEG was abnormal. My autistic son also had an abnormal EEG, takes lamictal, I think his EEG showed JME... I will discuss that in my intro.. but anyway,
For me... now... I get arm jerks. Kinda often, but it's never happened while driving. But it could...
(When I was a teenager I can recall some photosenstive "episodes" that must have been absence seizures. My autistic child has grand mals.)
I live in PA and looked at the DMV site but didn't find anything too specific. technically, I suppose, they interfere with safe operation of a vechical --and what started this whole ball rolling with ME getting an eval, is I told my son's new doc about my arm jerks and he said, "If you were my patient I would have to report you to the DMV!!!"
SO I guess I kinda know... I am guessing I will lose it.
But holy crap... I have an 80 mile commute every day. --to college and picking up my kids. I am a single mom. I want to home school my oldest and would be driving him to out patient OT, PT, ST, etc....
I cannot imagine 6 months or more without a drivers license...
Re: myoclonic arms jerks, will I lose my license?
Submitted by Nerak95 on Fri, 2008-12-12 - 01:29
In Arizona, people with epilepsy can drive if they have purely nocturnal seizures, seizures with prolonged and consistent auras, or seizures that do not interfere with driving. A discretionary restriction is applicable for people whose seizures are caused by transient events, such as a concurrent illness or adjustment of medication. PA law seems to be less specific. http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter83/s83.4.html and http://www.efwp.org/programs/programs_10_a.shtml
Was this doc that said if you were his patient a neuro or a GP? If he was a GP, he might not understand what exactly a myoclonic seizure is. However, I think the question that remains is if the myoclonic seizures that you experience might interfere with your driving capability.
~Karen
In Arizona, people with epilepsy can drive if they have purely nocturnal seizures, seizures with prolonged and consistent auras, or seizures that do not interfere with driving. A discretionary restriction is applicable for people whose seizures are caused by transient events, such as a concurrent illness or adjustment of medication. PA law seems to be less specific. http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter83/s83.4.html and http://www.efwp.org/programs/programs_10_a.shtml
Was this doc that said if you were his patient a neuro or a GP? If he was a GP, he might not understand what exactly a myoclonic seizure is. However, I think the question that remains is if the myoclonic seizures that you experience might interfere with your driving capability.
~Karen