First ever seizure: How long before I can drive doc?

Posted on by Steve Vucic, Web Editor

The occurrence of a first seizure is perceived as a devastating occurrence by both patient and family.  An issue faced by both patient and physician relates to the length of  driving restriction, so often an emotionally charged discussion that could result in the breakdown of Dr-patient relationship.  Consensus guidelines and treatment practices vary widely, resulting in much confusion for the treating neurologist.  In an upcoming issue of JNNP (FirstOnline) Professor Dunne’s group from Perth, Australia, conducted an elegant and much needed study concerning a safe time to return to driving post first-seizure.  Importantly, 8 months was suggested as the “non-driving” period for unprovoked seizures and 5 months in the case of a provoked first ever seizure.  These results are interesting and somewhat surprising, with important practice and medico-legal implications.  This is a must read article for all neurologists.

MUST READ MORE ALERT AT: http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2014/04/25/jnnp-2013-307529.abstract

Do you agree with these time periods?  What would you suggest?  Comment on twitter and Facebook.

 

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-307529
  • Epilepsy
  • Research paper

When is it safe to return to driving following first-ever seizure?

  1. J W L Brown1,2,
  2. N D Lawn1,
  3. J Lee1,
  4. J W Dunne1

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