Driving with epilepsy

Re: Driving with epilepsy

Submitted by Gandalf on Thu, 2013-02-28 - 14:57

Those of us who are experiencing uncontrolled seizures should NEVER drive.  I live in Massachusetts, where it is neccessary to have not had any seizures for six months in order to qualify for a driver's license.  Such a requirement makes a great deal of sense, however unpleasant it may seem.  

Anyone who drives while at risk of having a seizure is both irresponsible and looking for trouble.  To undergo a  seizure while behind the wheel could lead to a far greater disaster than a minor accident like hitting a guard rail.  a driver to whom this happens could collide with another car or pedestrians, leading to fatalities and /or serious injuries to all involved.  It could also cause an accident involving only you, such as hitting a tree or driving off the road which could kill or seriously injure you. 

At age 51, my seizures have been uncontrolled for thirty years and have never had a license or driven during that period.  Fortunately, I have been able to rely on my parents for transport.  No one with epilepsy should ever drive unless their medication or other treatment is 100% effective leaving them totally seizure-free

Gandalf

Re: Driving with epilepsy

Submitted by frustrated00 on Fri, 2013-03-01 - 03:05

   I understand your how you feel somewhat Izzy. I too am a grandmal and I drive. I know there are probably people out there that wish that because I have seizures with little to no warning that I didn't. I have so few and only every few yrs that just like everyone else out there I really try to live as normal of a life as possible.  That includes driving. Luckily I have never had one behind the wheel (Knock on wood) I pray I never do.

    However, whenever I do have one, I of course listen to my dr, and wait the respected amount of time before driving again. There's always a med change or adjustment that I must complete and be on for x amount of time and I would never risk disobeying that. Even so, I'm always nervous when I start to drive again. I know that anything unexpected can happen to anyone at anytime anywhere....but I know I have a bigger responsibility AND risk of Liability should anything ever happen. Even tho my state is pretty lienant I know that I may even lose my license when I go to renew this year as they ask about seizures, and thanks to a medical test this last year....well. 

   I like you have to rely on family and friends who aren't always around and can't always take me everywhere I need to go. (Especially with no spouse to help) I too, sometimes feel like a hermit. Even though there is a pretty good public transportation system overall here..it's not real close to me either and the hours aren't always what you need. It would be better if country wide there was a better bus/transportation system and maybe less of us would feel the need to drive. 

    Just take it slow. I know you may get anxious....but if you're under control it won't matter if you drive tomorrow or next month. 

Re: Driving with epilepsy

Submitted by brian189 on Mon, 2013-03-04 - 17:02

This is a great question. For anyone who has seizures more frequently than their state guidelines, it's pretty clear, you're pretty much never driving again. But like you, I have to decide what actually makes sense. My state says you have to be seizure free for six months. I only have seizures once every year or so. So does being off the road for six months really ensure anyone's safety? No. Because I could have a seizure while driving the day after I get my license back. So it really boils down to how well does your medication control your seizures, and how much of a calculated risk are you willing to take. Obviously most states are willing to allow you to drive again after a certain period of time and there are no guarantees. Very easy for someone who doesn't have this problem to say none of us should ever drive. But we all know how much life sucks when you can't get places. So the question is, how confident are you in your meds and how much risk are you willing to take. Personally, I've been very lucky. I've never had a seizure while driving and I might feel differently about the whole thing if I had. But up until now, I just follow the state guidelines. If they are willing to trust me on the road, I see no reason why I shouldn't. After all, there are a heck of a lot of other risks out there (drunks, heroin addicts and cell phone texters) on the road right along with us. I'd be interested in seeing the numbers on deaths caused by those folks vs. those caused by people with epilepsy. Although whenever I'm with others, I like to leave the driving to them.