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"No working/ driving after seizures!"
Thu, 05/19/2011 - 17:56I was diagnosed with epilepsy in November of 2010. I was also told that I only have the seizures while sleeping; particularly grand mal. I wake up feeling very drained, sometimes with strained muscles. I have been put on Topamax after discovering I was allergic to some other meds, and so far, I have had just one seizure on 5/17/11. Whenever I get put on a new med, have a seizure, etc; I usually take precaution when it comes to things such as driving and my job. I have heard of horror stories such as people getting killed on the road when other have seizures while in their cars. I don't want that to happen to me.
HOWEVER- Seeing that I have been diagnosed with having the seizures in my sleep, what are the chances of actually having one while awake??? My doctors have told me to NOT drive for 6 MONTHS, but c'mon... I have a job!!! I need to drive eventually, I cannot rely on others 24/7!!! I already used up my short-term disability from when I was diagnosed, I am too young (26) to retire or use disability... so let's be real here!!! OPINIONS/ SUGGESTIONS???????????
Comments
Re: "No working/ driving after seizures!"
Submitted by Robertok on Sun, 2011-06-19 - 18:19
As stated above, the law must change between states. In the UK, the law states that providing seizures are nocturnal, you are allowed to apply for a licence. You may only apply for a license, it does not mean you may drive. In fact, I am currently holding a driving license, which has expired and I am currently re-applying for a renewed license. Technically I am legally able to drive, but should I be involved in an accident where someone else was seriously injured, then the fact I have an expired license could cause serious problems with insurance companies.
Face it, if you crash due to any reason (non related to a seizure) and you were given advice not to drive, you could land youself in a whole load of problems with insurers and even subject yourself to being prosecuted in the worst case scenario.
Play it safe, and do as I do, take up cycling until you can get someone official to sign you off as safe to drive, do it formally to cover your back if some lemming steps out in front of you.
As stated above, the law must change between states. In the UK, the law states that providing seizures are nocturnal, you are allowed to apply for a licence. You may only apply for a license, it does not mean you may drive. In fact, I am currently holding a driving license, which has expired and I am currently re-applying for a renewed license. Technically I am legally able to drive, but should I be involved in an accident where someone else was seriously injured, then the fact I have an expired license could cause serious problems with insurance companies.
Face it, if you crash due to any reason (non related to a seizure) and you were given advice not to drive, you could land youself in a whole load of problems with insurers and even subject yourself to being prosecuted in the worst case scenario.
Play it safe, and do as I do, take up cycling until you can get someone official to sign you off as safe to drive, do it formally to cover your back if some lemming steps out in front of you.
Re: "No working/ driving after seizures!"
Submitted by AllenChristyMia on Sun, 2011-06-19 - 18:44
I am 28 and unfortunately I had to file for disability last year and was approved because of a seizures. I have had them off and on since 16 but the the last straw was a car accident and a cracked head at work, from grand mal seizures, within three weeks. The doctor literally said "if you were my employee, simply from liability speaking, you would be kicked out of this office on your butt." Point of the story is, it is a serious matter depending on the types of seizures. For me I have nocturnal, grand mal, and partial through out the day. You need to do what you have to do for the best of your health not only for you but your love ones.
I am 28 and unfortunately I had to file for disability last year and was approved because of a seizures. I have had them off and on since 16 but the the last straw was a car accident and a cracked head at work, from grand mal seizures, within three weeks. The doctor literally said "if you were my employee, simply from liability speaking, you would be kicked out of this office on your butt." Point of the story is, it is a serious matter depending on the types of seizures. For me I have nocturnal, grand mal, and partial through out the day. You need to do what you have to do for the best of your health not only for you but your love ones.
Re: "No working/ driving after seizures!"
Submitted by tbaldwin on Thu, 2011-05-19 - 22:10
Obviously you've had at least two seizures, listen to the doctor. You might be able to walk to work, get a ride or just quit. If you don't have another one for maybe six months or whatever your state requires that you don't drive for after a seizure. Of couse this is for you not to crash during one, you could die or damage someone elses property or kill them. Then after the attorney of that person or family finds out medical records they'd see that you broke the law by driving and decide that you shouldn't have been driving in the first place and just won't settle for repair cost of property damage, it'll become a bigger law suit. Also, you'd be driving without having told your insurance company, they might deny coverage will be paid for you, and you alone will be responsible. Timothy Baldwin