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What is Epilepsy?
According to WhoInt., Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally, characterized by recurrent seizures [1]. These seizures, caused by excessive electrical discharges in brain cells, can range from brief muscle jerks or lapses in attention to severe convulsions, potentially involving partial or generalized body movements and sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bodily functions.
Notably, a single seizure does not equate to epilepsy, which is diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures. With its origins tracing back to 4000 BCE, epilepsy has long been misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to fear, discrimination, and a significant impact on the quality of life for those affected and their families.
Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads. Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions
What to Know About Driving With Epilepsy
According to MedicalNewsToday, driving can be safe for some individuals with epilepsy, depending on factors such as the type and frequency of seizures they experience [2].
Seizure symptoms can last a few minutes, hindering daily activities like driving.
Legislation generally permits people with epilepsy to drive if their condition is well-managed and they have been seizure-free for a significant period, although specific restrictions vary by location.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents compared to the general population, particularly if they experience certain types of seizures.
Generalized seizures, like tonic-clonic seizures, can result in loss of consciousness or muscle control, posing significant danger while driving.
Focal seizures affecting consciousness or awareness can also be risky, causing confusion and fatigue for over 15 minutes during recovery.
Since the type of epilepsy and seizure can vary between individuals, people with epilepsy need to discuss their situation with a healthcare professional or an epilepsy specialist to determine whether it is safe for them to drive
Understanding California DMV Regulations for Drivers with Epilepsy
California’s Vehicle Code states: “The department may refuse to issue to, or renew a driver’s license of, any person who: . . . has a disorder characterized by lapses of consciousness or who has experienced, within the last three years, either a lapse of consciousness or an episode of marked confusion caused by any condition which may bring about recurrent lapses . . . unless the department has medical information which indicates the person may safely operate a motor vehicle. In making its determination, the department may rely on any relevant information available to the department [3].
The DMV evaluates several factors, including the disorder’s impact on physical and mental driving abilities, personal and third-party testimonies, seizure control status, medication compliance, other medical conditions, driving record, and a current medical evaluation by a physician (CAL. VEH. CODE § 12806(c) 2020; CAL. CODE REGS. tit. 13, § 110.01 2020).
If deemed safe to drive based on competent medical evidence and relevant factors, the DMV may either take no action or place the individual on medical probation to monitor their condition, ensuring continued driving safety (CAL. CODE REGS. tit. 13, § 110.02 2020).
Medical probation allows drivers with controlled epilepsy to drive if control has been achieved for at least three months, considering factors such as seizure type, manifestations, medical and lifestyle history, and seizure-free periods.
The Impact of Mandatory Reporting for Drivers with Epilepsy
Only six states mandate that physicians report patients with seizures to the motor vehicle administration. Physician groups generally oppose this requirement, fearing it will deter patients from disclosing seizure activity and receiving proper treatment. Many patients with epilepsy do not inform their doctors about seizures due to concerns about losing driving privileges and facing social repercussions.
Comparative studies suggest that mandatory physician reporting increases the number of epilepsy patients known to regulators but does not lower crash rates or enhance public safety. In the United States, self-reporting by individuals with seizures is required, with state motor vehicle administrations managing these policies. However, noncompliance by patients remains a significant challenge to the effectiveness of self-reporting laws.
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References:
1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-people-with-epilepsy-drive#is-it-safe
3. https://www.epilepsy.com/lifestyle/driving-and-transportation/laws/california
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