Is It Safe To Drive With Epilepsy If You Haven't Had An Episode In A Long Time? | MyEpilepsyTeam

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Is It Safe To Drive With Epilepsy If You Haven't Had An Episode In A Long Time?
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭

I have been debating getting my license, but I am just really worried about driving and something happens. I haven't had a seizure in about 5 years, but it still makes me nervous.

posted June 12, 2018
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

You may not even epilepsy considering that youve gone 5 years seizure free. You might have a seizure disorder but they are both of their own diagnoses. Id still be a lil sceptic though. But i believe that you should do it.

posted June 18, 2018
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Hi @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member. Before you try to get you driver’s license, you need to have appt. with your neurologist or Epileptologist . It’s up to them, whether or not you can get you license.

posted June 13, 2018
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

If you go to your State DMV, they'll ask you if you have any 'problems.' They will give you what is known as a 'Periodic Review Form.' This form MUST be completed by a licensed medical Dr., and yourself every year. This let's them know if you've been seizure free for 6 months to a year. If everything's fine, then you're good to go, if not, your license will be revoked for about 6 months until a Dr. clears you. You will have 'a code' on your license so that if you're pulled over, the cop'll see the code & determine if your medical condition had any cause with the infraction.

I can understand about the fear. I let my license lapse deliberately therefore giving up driving. I bought a scooter until a Grand-Mal seizure took me into the side of someone's truck, a bicycle- I fell, and walking makes me nervous. All you can do is to try not to allow the fear to dictate what you can/cannot do. Forget fear, just use caution. You'll be fine! Good luck to you!

posted June 24, 2018
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Even though you have gone 5 years seizure free it doesn't mean you are cured. I went 7 years and it has now come back worse than before. It is a personal choice for you to make, just be prepared for any outcome it takes. My first one after 7 years seizure free i was driving, luckily my husband and his quick thinking got us off the freeway quickly and safely without hurting anyone. I turned in my licence voluntarily the next week. It was what i felt was right for me, but you know in your heart what is right for you. Good luck on any decision you make.

posted June 18, 2018
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

In Australia we cant drive until were seizure free

posted June 17, 2018

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