Q: I have epilepsy and still have occasional seizures. Is it safe for me to drive a car?
A: One of the difficult aspects of a seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, is that it may prevent you from driving car. This is obviously for your own safety and for the safety of others. If you had a seizure while you were driving it could cause a serious accident or even death. Nevertheless, it isn't easy to accept that a freedom is being taken away. Some people with epilepsy are able to drive and others are not.
You stated that you still have "occasional seizures." Whether or not you can drive depends on the type of seizure you are having and when you have the seizures. You should see your doctor or a doctor who specializes in epilepsy – such as a neurologist – to see if there is anything you could do to stop the seizures. Maybe a change in the dose of your current medication or a change in medication would help. Have a discussion with your doctor about whether or not it is possible for you to decrease or eliminate the seizures.
If you can demonstrate, through written documentation from your doctor, that you have been without seizures for a certain amount of time, then you may be able to reclaim your driving privileges. The required length of this seizure-free period depends on the state in which you live. State-to-state rules vary. Some states require a year-long interval of being seizure-free before driving, and others require as little as three months.
State Laws Can Vary
In the state of Oregon, for instance, the required minimum seizure-free period is six months. There are some exceptions that don't require this length of time – for example, where an individual only has seizures while asleep or when there is a very long warning period that would allow a person to stop the car to protect themselves and others before the seizure occurred. These individuals might be able to drive even though they have seizures.
In any case, according to Oregon law, these details have to be documented by a physician and then submitted as a "Certificate of Medical Eligibility" stating that the seizure disorder will not interfere with the individual's ability to drive. A State Health Officer will then review this information. After driving privileges have been granted, a period of regular physical examinations and check-ups with your physician might be required.
For more information, visit the Epilepsy Foundation website which gives details about driving and seizure disorders. |
