Driving With Simple Partial Seizures??? | MyEpilepsyTeam

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Driving With Simple Partial Seizures???
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭

I've had epilepsy for 30 years. Simple partial seizures with no loss of awareness, but I've had a few complex partial seizures. I have on average one or two simple partials every month but sometimes I go for 3 months seizure free. The last complex partial was a year ago. I have a strong and lengthy aura on every seizure and my eye twitches strongly.

I've had quite a few neuro docs and seems like they all want me to take different meds. I've been on Trileptal and zonisamide for about 2… read more

posted July 6, 2020
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

We all like to think we are aware of what is going on when we have a seizure. But the state DMV will ask your neurologist about other testing such as do you take a rescue medicine? What does the patient blood level looks like? Is it above or below the level requirement? It is a possibility the reason your new doctor didn't bother to consult with your old doctor, is that everything that happens now is under your new doctors judgement. And everyone sees things different. In California, in order to be cleared for driving, you have to be seizure free for 1 year. And they would do blood testing at different days for a year. For example; i got tested 1 month later, 3 months later then 2 months later. All to see if you are consistent with taking your meds on time and there is no difference in levels of medicine. Also if caffeine is in your diet. Caffeine can cause triggers which lead to seizures. In some cases the testing can not only lead to not being able to drive, but also a loss of employment. Because almost anyone with epilepsy is considered a high risk and the job may not want the increase in insurance to cover you. That is how i was laid off. You may have to find a neurologist that is willing to work with you.

posted July 7, 2020 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member there is different laws on driving with epilepsy. my state (indiana) law is no seizures for 6 months. the exceptions is mopeds, co/golf carts or anything less than 20 mph.
anyway in montana laws... there is no seizure free time limit to drive. so if you are being careful... you can drive and have epilepsy. dr wants to show off. i think you need another opinion dr.

posted July 7, 2020
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I would ask to see a different doctor at the office, and file a complaint. If there isn't another I would seek a new neurologist. With regard to the driving you may want to check with the local laws on driving, they may have changed in your area

posted August 13, 2020
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I just lost mine a few months ago. My license was revoked from the DMV because I couldn’t drive. I was in a wheelchair, then using a walker, and my license isn’t to expire until 2021. They said if I cans drive now I can’t keep it

posted July 14, 2020
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

To help you all put this into perspective, I'll give you an idea how rural my state is... our state capital (Helena) only has 35,000 people. Montana is a huge state but only has about a million people total. Not being able to drive might as well be a death sentence. No joke! It's not unheard of to put 100k miles on a car in 2 years. I'm having a hard time thinking that everyone on here seems to give up their freedom without a fight. Again...I dont lose awareness with my seizures so I'm going to fight this until I've exhausted every means I can utilize. Starting with my attorney tomorrow.

posted July 7, 2020

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