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nocturnal seizures and i cant drive for 6 months?!?!?

Mon, 12/04/2006 - 20:17
i had my first seizure (or at least that we know of) about a month ago. It was at night. I've had seizures since then, but only at night! i saw my neurologist today and got put on meds (keppra) and he said that i cant drive for 6 MONTHS!!! I'm 19 and go to school and have a job, so not being able to drive is really annoying (my parents have been taking me everywhere). Since I only have seizures at night while i'm sleeping, is there any way I could be able to drive sooner than 6 months??? ( i live in PA) - Samantha

Comments

Re: nocturnal seizures and i cant drive for 6 months?!?!?

Submitted by caradee on Tue, 2006-12-05 - 10:13
Hi Samantha, I am so sorry to read about your situation, and totally understand your frustration. Driving is something we all take for granted, and when the priviledge is suspended, we tend to think there is no other way to get around. But I am sure the people who love you are willing to take you where you need to go. It takes some scheduling and planning, but it has worked out for me (MO) after my DL was also suspended. Unfortunately, not to add more bad news, it is not just six months without driving. It is six months of being sz free before you are able to drive again. So concentrate on getting the sz under control, taking care of your health, and living your life without a vehicle. You can do it! We all figure out a way. In a way, I believe I am closer to my family, because we spend quality time together, that before, I would have been in the car by myself. Good luck to you.

Re: nocturnal seizures and i cant drive for 6 months?!?!?

Submitted by gwen48 on Mon, 2006-12-11 - 12:24
You did not say if your doctor reported you to the license bureau, or if your drivers license was taken away. I also have nocturnal seizures (40 years now). I have yet to have a doctor report me, and have never had my license taken from me. I continue to drive, and the chances are slim to none of me causing an accident - how often do you hear of a person in an accident that was caused by a seizure as opposed to alcohol? That is attributed to almost half of traffic fatalities. If you have enough money you can pay your way out of getting a license suspension due to DWI or DUI. More than likely the same is true for a medical condition. I know attorney's who make a living at representing these offenses. So am I suggesting you drive w/o a license? No, just from a practical standpoint, use your own judgment. If your seizures are nocturnal, I would maintain your independence. The day I start having seizures while awake is when I will retire from driving. nough' said. Gwen

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