Driving & Epilepsy

Laws regarding driving with epilepsy vary by state, but most sufferers will find their driving privileges greatly reduced. Certain conditions can help increase these privileges.

Frequency

• The most important factor is the amount of time since the driver last experienced a seizure. The passage of six months without a seizure qualifies you to drive in many states, though some states require a year.

Reliable Aura

• Another important factor is a reliable "aura." Patients who reliably sense when a seizure is coming are more likely to avoid traffic accidents.

Driving Record

• Researchers found that drivers with fewer incidents are less likely to be involved in them after they are diagnosed with epilepsy.

Medication

• Patients who skipped doses or went off medication are more likely to crash. Surprisingly, switching to a new medication reduces the chances of an accident for a short amount of time.

Applying for a License

• When you apply for a driver's license, some states require proof from a doctor that you are receiving treatment and that the treatment has brought seizures under control for a suitable period time. California, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Pennsylvania require physicians to report to the DMV when a patient suffers a recent seizure.