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.

You Will Love This

Fri, 04/21/2006 - 10:59
My mother and I went out to lunch Thursday. I went to pay and there was an elderly couple in front of me. The elderly man had a walker with wheels and his wife had a walking cane. I stood holding both doors open for them. I noticed how the elderly man could barely move his legs and feet. I told this to my mother, so we got to wondering who was going to drive their car. My bet was on the husband. We waited and sure enough the husband who could barely move his leg and fit was the driver. IF AM LYING I AM DYING. I want people to explain how this man's driving is safer than a person with epilepsy. How can me having Nocturnal Epilepsy not be as safe as this elderly man. I have not had a seizure while awake for 5 years, my seizures all occur while asleep. I am applying for a driver's license, why should my chance have to go before a medical board and this elderly man is driving. I feel those who tell they have epilepsy should have just as easy a chance as others. I haven't driven since 1984. The only reason I am applying for a driver's license now is due to the fact I now have nocturnal seizures.

Comments

Re: Re: You Will Love This

Submitted by NaBox on Fri, 2006-04-21 - 19:24
I am afraid I will denied. What angers me the most is the fact I am being honest. We planned for an attorney ahead of time. What really makes me angry is they have people in worse condition than us, alcoholics, drug addicts and the elderly. In 1984 I had a driver's license, but had a seizure and a single person wreck. I had no aura. I gave up my license by choice. I not only feel I know I will not present danger to other drivers. If I have a seizure in my sleep, I am not going to drive the next day. The only reason I want to be able to drive is to run errands do to the fact my mother is constant pain. The pain patch helps some for one day, but I want her to be able to do what she enjoys and that is gardening. I feel if she must be in pain she needs to enjoy herself. NaBox

Hi all, I'm in the nocturnal

Submitted by coolcanadian on Fri, 2006-04-21 - 21:15
Hi all, I'm in the nocturnal boat with you. And, yes the day after a sz I don't drive euther- I like me too much to do that! As far as honesty and E, since there's only an ever so slight chance I'll sz in the day, I tell only those people who have a clear need to know. E is not a public event. My right to privacy is a valid claim. All that aside, I hate the creeped out look some folks get when I come out to them- as if I'm going to get sz cooties all over them. If I do have daytime sz's, sure I'll reevaluate my safety as a driver. Until then, let 'em prove it. Keep smilin' -marko

Re: Hi all, I'm in the nocturnal

Submitted by scorpio on Sat, 2006-04-22 - 05:52
Rules for driving with epi vary a lot around the world. In the UK, licenses for driving can be issued if the person has been free from seizures completely for one year or only experienced sleep seizures for a period of at least three years. Doctors have the final say of course. I get the impression that the driving regulations in some US states are laxer than this so it might be worth your exploring them, if you live there of course. Chris

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.