Ask the Neurologist: Epilepsy and Driving

    David M. Ficker, MD

    One the most common and difficult discussions I have with adult patients with epilepsy pertains to driving. The ability to drive a car is important in today’s world. Because many seizures are associated with loss of consciousness or may impair the ability to respond, they can cause a person to lose control of their vehicle resulting in a crash. It is important to remember that you may not only hurt yourself, but other people inside or outside the car may also be injured. Every state in this country regulates the driver's license eligibility of people with seizures. The most common requirement for a person with seizures is that they be seizure-free for a specified period of time and submit a physician's evaluation of their ability to drive safely. Each state has different requirements for the seizure free period that ranges from 3 to 18 months.

People who suffer from seizures have been held liable for seizure-related accidents. Such liability has occurred when individuals have driven against medical advice, without a valid license, without the state being aware of their medical conditions, or with the knowledge that there was a particular reason why they should not be driving at that time. It is important to be honest with your physician about your seizure control and whether you are driving despite advice to the contrary.

You can find out more about driving regulations for people with epilepsy by visiting the Epilepsy Foundation website at: www.epilepsyfoundation.org/living/wellness/transportation/driverlicensing.cfm.