Epilepsy and driving is a personal and public safety issue. A person with a seizure disorder that causes lapses in consciousness may put themselves and the public at risk if a seizure occurs while they are operating a motor vehicle. Not only can a seizure itself cause a car wreck, but anticonvulsants often have side effects that include drowsiness. People with epilepsy are more likely to be involved in a traffic collision than people who do not have the condition, although reports range from minimally more likely up to seven times more likely. [1] [2] [3]
It is for this reason that most people diagnosed with epilepsy are prohibited or restricted by their local laws from operating vehicles. However, some places have exceptions built into their laws for those who can prove that they have stabilized their condition. Individuals who may be exempt from such restrictions or may have fewer restrictions include those who had seizures as a result of a medical condition that has been cured, from a physician's experimental medication change that failed, as an isolated incident, whose seizures occur only while asleep, or who may be able to predict their seizures in order to ensure that they do not lose consciousness behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
The first seizure-related automobile crash occurred at the turn of the 19th century. [4] Since then, laws have been enacted all over the world regarding driving for people with epilepsy. There is an ongoing debate in bioethics over who should bear the burden of ensuring that a person with epilepsy does not drive a car or fly an aircraft.
Some countries prohibit people who have ever had a seizure from driving. In these countries, it is common for people with epilepsy to hide their condition from authorities in order not to be denied a driver's license. [5] Other places allow those who have had seizures to drive after a seizure-free period, which ranges from six months to a year. EU (European Union) harmonisation of periods of freedom from seizure means the periods shown below for EU states is wrong - now 6 months for an isolated seizure, 12 months for a second or more seizures within 5 years, whether or not antiepileptic drugs are taken. For drivers of heavy lorries and buses the seizure-free period is five years without drugs.
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Country | Law | Physician required to report | Seizure-free period |
---|---|---|---|
Andorra | 2 years | ||
Argentina | There are no specific laws prohibiting people with epilepsy from driving. Patients generally rely on advice from their physicians. [6] | No | |
Australia | Patients must be seizure-free for 3–6 months for recently diagnosed seizures, and for two years for chronic epilepsy. [7] [8] Exact laws vary by state or territory. [6] | 3 months to 2 years | |
Austria | The most common seizure-free period required is 2 years, but in some cases, this can be extended to 3. Insurance companies are not required to make liability payments in accidents caused by seizures. [6] | 2–3 years | |
Belgium | Seizure-free period required depends on the type of seizure. [6] | 1–2 years | |
Bermuda | 1 year | ||
Brazil | 1 year | ||
Bulgaria | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
Canada | Exact laws may vary by province/territory. See Canada below. | 1 year | |
Central African Republic | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
China | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
Croatia | 2 years | ||
Cyprus | 1 year | ||
Czech Republic [10] | Physician may set additional more restrictions (like no night driving), for professional drivers seizure-free period is 10 years | Yes | 1 year |
Denmark | The national health board is involved in epilepsy cases in determining exact length of disqualification, which is usually 2 years. Physician input is recommended. [6] | 2 years | |
Egypt | 2 years | ||
Estonia | Required seizure-free period of one year for cars and motorcycles and of five years for trucks and buses [11] | 1–5 years | |
France | Required seizure-free period is 2 years, but this may be reduced at the advice of a physician. [6] | 2 years | |
Germany | In heavy cases the period of time is 2 years. [12] Patients with seizures that do not involve motor activity are not disqualified from driving. [6] | No | 1 year [12] |
Ghana | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
Greece | 2 years | ||
Iceland | 2 years | ||
India | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] This law was passed in 1939. [6] | ||
Iran | In general, Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving and shall not be licensed to drive. This law was passed in 2005. [13] | 1 year | |
Ireland | In general, requires driver be seizure-free for one year. Exceptions are given for those with nocturnal seizures, change of medication, non-epileptic seizures, single seizures, or seizures in which consciousness is not lost. [14] | 1 year | |
Israel | Public vehicle (Bus): Never; Public vehicle (Taxi): 10 years seizure-free on medications or 5 years seizure-free unmedicated; Private Vehicle: 1 year seizure-free or 3 years of sleep-seizures only [15] | Yes | 1 year |
Italy | Each case is assessed by the regional board. [6] | 2 years | |
Japan | Japan in the past had some of the world's strictest laws pertaining to epilepsy and driving, requiring all patients to be seizure-free for up to five years before being issued a license. [7] [16] This changed in 2002, and Japan now allows those who have been seizure-free for 2 years to drive. [9] Patients must be officially "cured". Physicians are required to report patients who drive. [6] | Yes | 2 years |
Luxembourg | 2 years | ||
Malaysia | 2 years | ||
Malta | 1 year | ||
Mexico | varies by state | ||
Netherlands | 1 year | ||
New Zealand | Default seizure-free period is 12 months for drivers of private light motor vehicles and motorbikes, although may be reduced to 6 months by NZ Transport Agency on advice from a physician. Drivers driving class 1 vehicles (cars and light trucks) for work must be seizure-free for 5 years if not using medication. [17] People with nocturnal epilepsy may drive if they have had no seizures while awake in the last 12 months. People with epilepsy cannot hold a heavy vehicle licence (Classes 2, 3, 4, 5), or commercial passenger (P), vehicle recovery (V), driving instructor (I) or testing officer (O) endorsements. [18] | Yes | 1 year |
Norway | 2-year period may only be reduced in exceptional cases. [6] | Yes | 2 years |
Pakistan | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
Poland | Yes | 2 years | |
Portugal | 2 years | ||
Romania | 5 years | ||
Rwanda | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
Saudi Arabia | 1 year | ||
Senegal | 1 year | ||
Singapore | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
Slovenia | 2 years | ||
South Africa | 2 years | ||
Spain | 1 year | ||
Sweden | Must be seizure-free for five years before being allowed to drive professionally. [7] | Yes | 1 years |
Switzerland | 1 year | ||
Taiwan | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] | ||
Turkey | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] Many patients do in violation of this law. [6] | ||
United Kingdom | It is the responsibility of the patients to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they have epilepsy. [19] The DVLA rules are quite complex, [20] but in summary, [21] those continuing to have seizures or who are within 6 months of medication change may have their licence revoked, if the Secretary of State's advisory panel feels that that particular licence holder's epilepsy makes him or her unfit to drive. A doctor who becomes aware that a patient with uncontrolled epilepsy is continuing to drive has, after reminding the patient of their responsibility, a duty to break confidentiality and inform the DVLA. The doctor should advise the patient of the disclosure and the reasons why their failure to notify the agency obliged the doctor to act. | Yes | 1 year |
United States | Laws vary by state. See United States below. | varies by state | |
Uruguay | 1 year | ||
Uzbekistan | Those who have ever had a seizure are prohibited from driving. [9] |
In the U.S., people with epilepsy can drive if their seizures are controlled with medication or other treatment and they meet the licensing requirements in their state. How long they have to be free of seizures varies in different states, but it is most likely to be between six months to a year. [22] [23] In 44 of the 50 states, the burden is placed on patients to report their condition to appropriate licensing authorities so that their privileges can be revoked where appropriate. Six states place the burden of reporting on the patient's physician. [24] After reporting is carried out, it is usually the driver's licensing agency that decides to revoke or restrict a driver's license.
Restrictions on operating a commercial vehicle are often stricter than those for a private automobile. Federal law in the United States prohibits people with epilepsy from operating a commercial vehicle across state lines, even if seizures are controlled. [25]
Studies have shown that in states where drivers are required to report their own condition, about 1/3 of licensed drivers comply with this law. The most recent trend adopted by many states allows those who have been seizure-free for 90 days to drive. This leniency has been passed with the hope that drivers will be more willing to report their health conditions.
State | Law | Physician required to report | Seizure-free period |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | Decided by medical advisory board. Periodic updates from physician may be required. | No | 6 months |
Alaska | Semi-annual neurological examination required | No | 6 months |
Arizona | Driving is permitted if seizure is the result of a medication change, is believed by physician to be an isolated incident, is predictable to patient by an aura, or occurs during sleep only. | No | 3 months |
Arkansas | A one-year seizure-free period is required, and no exceptions are granted. | No | 1 year |
California | Action taken against those who experience lapses of consciousness or confusion. After 3 months, reinstated under probation, and after 6 months, if no incidents occur, probation is lifted | Yes | 3-6 months |
Colorado | Anyone with a medical condition causing a lapse of consciousness must submit a physician statement certifying one's ability to drive | No | No fixed amount of time |
Connecticut | All applicants for driver's licenses or renewals are required to state any conditions they may have. If any involve a lapse of consciousness, physician statement is required. | No | 3-6 months |
Delaware | Physicians are required to report seizure disorders involving lapses of consciousness to DMV. License restrictions are accordingly placed. Reviews are made annually thereafter. | Yes | No fixed amount of time |
District of Columbia | Applicants are required to submit a physician certificate stating they have been seizure free for at least one year for the first 5 years of being seizure-free. Following the 5-year period, applicants are required to sign an affidavit that they have been seizure-free. Driving is permitted within a year of a seizure if seizures are nocturnal, or if they are an isolated incident. | No | 12 months |
Florida | Drivers who are seizure-free for 6 months may be licensed if a physician feels it is safe. Those who are seizure-free for 2 years or longer do not need a physician certificate. | No | 6 months |
Georgia | Those who are seizure-free for 6 months may be licensed. Those with nocturnal epilepsy are offered licenses restricted to daylight hours, even if they are actively having seizures. | No | 6 months |
Hawaii | Those who are seizure-free for 6 months are offered licenses. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. | No | 6 months |
Idaho | Licenses are denied to those who, at the discretion of a physician, cannot safely operate a motor vehicle due to a medical condition causing lapses in consciousness, and can be reinstated when, at the physician's discretion, the lapses in consciousness do not impede the patient's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Illinois | All applicants are asked to answer a series of questions pertaining to their health. If any have a "yes" answer, a physician must certify that it is safe for the applicant to drive. The applicant must follow the physician's instructions from then on. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Indiana | Anyone whose physician certifies that s/he is seizure-free while medicated is permitted to obtain a license. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Iowa | Must remain seizure-free for 6 months, and then submit an evaluation from a physician every 6 months thereafter. Those whose seizures occur only at night, or were only as a result of a failed medication change need not wait through the 6-month period. | No | 6 months, with exceptions |
Kansas | Those who are considered to be a danger to themselves or others behind the wheel may be denied licenses. Exceptions are made for those whose seizures are nocturnal only, or who suffered them as a result of a failed medication change. | No | 6 months, with exceptions |
Kentucky | Upon application or renewal of license, applicants are asked if they have had a seizure in the past 90 days. Those who are seizure-free must take medication. | No | 90 days |
Louisiana | Applicants for a new license with any disability must provide a physician certificate detailing their fitness to drive. This report is waived for renewals, except for commercial licenses. | No | 6 months |
Maine | Those who have been seizure-free for 3 months and are using medication may be issued a license. One who has a breakthrough seizure due to a medication issue may have this requirement waived. | No | 3 months |
Maryland | People with seizures are required to report their condition to MVA. Must be seizure-free for 90 days in order to renew license. Determined by medical advisory board. | No | 3 months |
Massachusetts | Must be seizure-free for 6 months and submit a physician report detailing if seizures are dangerous. | No | 6 months |
Michigan | Must submit a report from physician and be seizure-free for 6 months (12 months for a chauffeur's license). Exceptions can be made at physician's discretion. | No | 6 months |
Minnesota | Must be seizure-free for 3 months to apply for or renew a license. Exceptions for seizures caused by temporary illness. | No | 3 months |
Mississippi | Must be seizure-free for 6 months. There are no exceptions to this period. | No | 6 months |
Missouri | Each case is decided on a case-by-case basis. The normal recommendation is 6 months. | No | 6 months |
Montana | Applicant must state how condition affects his/her ability to drive safely. At discretion of DMV. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Nebraska | Applicants with any medical condition (not specifically epilepsy) are given a thorough examination, and DMV makes decisions on a case-by-case basis. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Nevada | Those with epilepsy are required to submit annual medical report. After a 3-month seizure-year period, these reports are no longer required. | Yes | 3 months |
New Hampshire | Must be seizure-free for 12 months. This period may be reduced if applicant can submit a physician certificate stating seizures will not likely continue to occur. | No | 12 months |
New Jersey | Applicants may obtain a license if seizure-free for 6 months. This period may only be reduced if the Neurological Disorder Committee determines it is safe. A medical update must be submitted every 6 months for the first 2 years, and annually thereafter. | Yes | 1 year |
New Mexico | Epilepsy is not specifically mentioned in state law as a reason for denying licenses. | No | 1 year, less if recommended by Medical Advisory Board |
New York | Exceptions are made when a physician determines that seizures were caused by medication experimentation or were temporary. Those who have been seizure-free for a year without medication need not report the condition. | No | 1 year, with exceptions |
North Carolina | Licenses may be issued when patient has been seizure-free, or when seizures are nocturnal or can be predicted by an aura that lasts at least 2-3 minutes. | No | 6-12 months, with exceptions |
North Dakota | Applicant must submit a sworn statement that s/he has not had a seizure in 6 months. This may be reduced to 3 months if physician believes seizures have been adequately controlled. After 3 years with no seizures and off medication, no statement is required. | No | 6 months |
Ohio | Applicants must state under oath whether or not they have had any seizure activity or similarly impairing conditions. Giving false information results in criminal prosecution. Those who have had any seizures within the past 5 years must submit a certificate from a physician stating that it is safe for them to drive, and this must be updated every 6 months until the driver has been seizure-free for 5 years. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Oklahoma | Generally, drivers must be seizure-free for 6 months. This is reduced to 3 months if a physician states the seizure was an isolated incident or was the result of a failed medication change. Those with nocturnal seizures may be given a restricted license. | No | 6 months, with exceptions |
Oregon | Seizures must be controlled for 3 months on medication or 6 months on no medication before driving. There is no longer a mandatory report for first time seizures. Conditions that are considered "severe and uncontrollable" are subject to mandatory reporting by the driver's primary care provider. Law enforcement agents may also file a report if there is an accident. Once reported, a Medical Certificate must be completed every 6 months to maintain driving privileges until the driver is released from surveillance. | Yes | 3 months |
Pennsylvania | Must be seizure-free for 6 months. After a seizure occurs, must wait 6 months before driving again. Exceptions are made for those with nocturnal seizures, an aura prior to their seizures, or those who have a seizure as a result of a temporary medical condition or medication change. | Yes | 6 months |
Puerto Rico | Must have a physician certify one is safe to drive. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Rhode Island | Must be certified by a physician as seizure-free. In most cases, the period used by the department is 18 months. | No | 18 months |
South Carolina | Must have a physician certify that patient is seizure-free for 6 months, then continue to submit reports every 6 months until seizure-free for 3 years. | No | 6 months |
South Dakota | A temporary license, valid for 6 months, is issued to epileptics if physician certifies driving is safe. If patient is seizure-free for 12 months, a permanent license is issued. | No | 6-12 months |
Tennessee | License may be issued to those who are seizure-free for 6 months, and who receive a favorable review from state's medical board. | No | 6 months |
Texas | Those who have been seizure-free for 6 months are permitted to drive if the physician certifies they are reliable in taking their medication, are not habitually sleep deprived, and do not abuse alcohol. Following a breakthrough seizure, can drive once situation is controlled. | No | 6 months |
Utah | Must be seizure-free for 3 months, typically on medication or using other recognized effective treatment. | No | 3 months |
Vermont | Must receive medical evaluation from commissioner. | No | No fixed amount of time |
Virginia | Applicants must be free from seizures or blackouts for 6 months. Exceptions are made for those whose seizures are nocturnal, who experience an aura prior to the seizure, or whose seizures are the result of a temporary medical condition or medication change. | No | 6 months, with exceptions |
Washington | Must be seizure-free for 6 months, unless waived by physician. | No | 6 months |
West Virginia | Must be seizure-free for 6 months. Some drivers may be granted a restricted license in less than a year that places restrictions on the time, day, or distance one may drive. | No | 1 year, with exceptions |
Wisconsin | Must be seizure-free for 3 months. There are no exceptions in the law. | No | 3 months |
Wyoming | Must be seizure-free for 3 months. Those with nocturnal epilepsy may be granted daytime only licenses. | No | 3 months, with exceptions |
The following are the driving laws for people with epilepsy in each province/territory of Canada:
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Province | Law | Physician required to report | Seizure-free period |
---|---|---|---|
Alberta | Those who have daytime seizures are barred from driving for 3 months. Driving is then permitted if seizures are prevented by medication and/or there are no reoccurrences. | yes | 3 months |
British Columbia | No law specified for non-commercial driver's on site. Commercial drivers may be prohibited. | No | 6 months |
Manitoba | Yes | 6 months | |
New Brunswick | Yes | ||
Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | ||
Northwest Territories | Yes | ||
Nova Scotia | |||
Nunavut | |||
Ontario | Persons with a Seizure Disorder May Drive in Ontario, if [26]
| Yes | 6 months |
Prince Edward Island | Yes | ||
Quebec | Yes | 6 months as of February 2010 | |
Saskatchewan | |||
Yukon | Yes |
In India, people with epilepsy are not permitted to drive. The document puts the onus on both applicant to reveal if the person loses consciousness due to any cause and medical practitioner to provide a certificate that the applicant, to the best of the professional's judgment, has epilepsy, vertigo or any mental ailment likely to affect driving ability. [27]
While most places allow people with their seizures under control to drive a car, laws regarding the operation of an airplane generally are much more strict. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration often prohibits anyone with epilepsy from being issued a pilot's license, even if the seizures are controlled by a medication or have completely ceased. The only epilepsy patients who may be issued a license are those who have had seizures during childhood, but have been seizure-free since, and have a normal EEG. Those with Rolandic seizures may be allowed to fly if they are seizure-free for at least four years. Children who have had a febrile seizure prior to the age of five may fly if they are off of all seizure medication for at least three years. Regardless, all medical records must be submitted to the FAA. [28]
As of 2017, normally, if a person is taking medications for epilepsy, and is free of seizures for five full years, and wishes to obtain a pilot's license for a large aircraft, including any jet, they must then work with their physician and neurologist to wean themselves, and go off the medications. Once the medications have been stopped, if they remain seizure-free for another five full years, they may apply. In any case, the full medical records are reviewed by the FAA, who has the final call and the sole discretion to make modifications and exceptions (Interview with representative of FAA at General Wayne Downing Peoria International Airport).
A study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics found that fatalities caused by seizures that occurred while driving were relatively rare, resulting in less than 0.2% of all traffic-related fatalities in the years 1995–97. [29] Drivers who experience seizures were more than twice as likely to be involved in a fatal traffic collision than drivers with heart disease and almost five times as likely to be in a fatal wreck as someone with diabetes. [29]
When the person is driving when they have caused multiple wrecks or been ordered not to drive, criminal charges can result. Examples include:
Epilepsy is a group of non-communicable neurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. An epileptic seizure is the clinical manifestation of an abnormal, excessive, and synchronized electrical discharge in the neurons. The occurrence of two or more unprovoked seizures defines epilepsy. The occurrence of just one seizure may warrant the definition in a more clinical usage where recurrence may be able to be prejudged. Epileptic seizures can vary from brief and nearly undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These episodes can result in physical injuries, either directly, such as broken bones, or through causing accidents. In epilepsy, seizures tend to recur and may have no detectable underlying cause. Isolated seizures that are provoked by a specific cause such as poisoning are not deemed to represent epilepsy. People with epilepsy may be treated differently in various areas of the world and experience varying degrees of social stigma due to the alarming nature of their symptoms.
A seizure is a period of symptoms due to abnormally excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Outward effects vary from uncontrolled shaking movements involving much of the body with loss of consciousness, to shaking movements involving only part of the body with variable levels of consciousness, to a subtle momentary loss of awareness. These episodes usually last less than two minutes and it takes some time to return to normal. Loss of bladder control may occur.
A convulsion is a medical condition where the body muscles contract and relax rapidly and repeatedly, resulting in uncontrolled shaking. Because epileptic seizures typically include convulsions, the term convulsion is often used as a synonym for seizure. However, not all epileptic seizures result in convulsions, and not all convulsions are caused by epileptic seizures. Non-epileptic convulsions have no relation with epilepsy, and are caused by non-epileptic seizures.
Myoclonus is a brief, involuntary, irregular twitching of a muscle, a joint, or a group of muscles, different from clonus, which is rhythmic or regular. Myoclonus describes a medical sign and, generally, is not a diagnosis of a disease. It belongs to the hyperkinetic movement disorders, among tremor and chorea for example. These myoclonic twitches, jerks, or seizures are usually caused by sudden muscle contractions or brief lapses of contraction. The most common circumstance under which they occur is while falling asleep. Myoclonic jerks occur in healthy people and are experienced occasionally by everyone. However, when they appear with more persistence and become more widespread they can be a sign of various neurological disorders. Hiccups are a kind of myoclonic jerk specifically affecting the diaphragm. When a spasm is caused by another person it is known as a provoked spasm. Shuddering attacks in babies fall in this category.
Landau–Kleffner syndrome (LKS)—also called infantile acquired aphasia, acquired epileptic aphasia or aphasia with convulsive disorder—is a rare childhood neurological syndrome.
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), also referred to as pseudoseizures, non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD), functional seizures, or dissociative seizures, are episodes resembling an epileptic seizure but without the characteristic electrical discharges associated with epilepsy. PNES fall under the category of disorders known as functional neurological disorders (FND), also known as conversion disorders, and are typically treated by psychologists or psychiatrists. PNES has previously been called stress seizures and hysterical seizures, but these terms have fallen out of favor.
Frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by brief, recurring seizures arising in the frontal lobes of the brain, that often occur during sleep. It is the second most common type of epilepsy after temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and is related to the temporal form in that both forms are characterized by partial (focal) seizures.
Generalized epilepsy is a form of epilepsy characterised by generalised seizures with no apparent cause. Generalized seizures, as opposed to focal seizures, are a type of seizure that impairs consciousness and distorts the electrical activity of the whole or a larger portion of the brain.
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a form of acquired epilepsy that results from brain damage caused by physical trauma to the brain. A person with PTE experiences repeated post-traumatic seizures more than a week after the initial injury. PTE is estimated to constitute 5% of all cases of epilepsy and over 20% of cases of acquired epilepsy.
Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are seizures that result from traumatic brain injury (TBI), brain damage caused by physical trauma. PTS may be a risk factor for post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), but a person having a seizure or seizures due to traumatic brain injury does not necessarily have PTE, which is a form of epilepsy, a chronic condition in which seizures occur repeatedly. However, "PTS" and "PTE" may be used interchangeably in medical literature.
Automatism is a set of brief unconscious or automatic behaviors, typically at least several seconds or minutes, while the subject is unaware of actions. This type of automatic behavior often occurs in certain types of epilepsy, such as complex partial seizures in those with temporal lobe epilepsy, or as a side effect of particular medications such as zolpidem.
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), previously known as nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, is a form of focal epilepsy characterized by seizures which arise during sleep. The seizures are most typically characterized by complex motor behaviors. It is a relatively uncommon form of epilepsy that constitutes approximately 9-13% of cases. This disorder is associated with cognitive impairment in at least half of patients as well as excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep quality. This disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as a non-epileptic sleep disorder. There are many potential causes of SHE including genetic, acquired injuries and structural abnormalities.
Generally, seizures are observed in patients who do not have epilepsy. There are many causes of seizures. Organ failure, medication and medication withdrawal, cancer, imbalance of electrolytes, hypertensive encephalopathy, may be some of its potential causes. The factors that lead to a seizure are often complex and it may not be possible to determine what causes a particular seizure, what causes it to happen at a particular time, or how often seizures occur.
Migralepsy is a rare condition in which a migraine is followed, within an hour period, by an epileptic seizure. Because of the similarities in signs, symptoms, and treatments of both conditions, such as the neurological basis, the psychological issues, and the autonomic distress that is created from them, they individually increase the likelihood of causing the other. However, also because of the sameness, they are often misdiagnosed for each other, as migralepsy rarely occurs.
Vertiginous epilepsy is infrequently the first symptom of a seizure, characterized by a feeling of vertigo. When it occurs, there is a sensation of rotation or movement that lasts for a few seconds before full seizure activity. While the specific causes of this disease are speculative there are several methods for diagnosis, the most important being the patient's recall of episodes. Most times, those diagnosed with vertiginous seizures are left to self-manage their symptoms or are able to use anti-epileptic medication to dampen the severity of their symptoms.
Epilepsy can affect employment for a variety of reasons. Many employers are reluctant to hire a person they know has epilepsy, even if the seizures are controlled by medication. If the employee has a seizure while at work, they could harm themselves depending on the nature of the work. Employers are often unwilling to bear any financial costs that may come from employing a person with epilepsy, i.e. insurance costs, paid sick leave etc. Many people whose seizures are successfully controlled by a medication experience a variety of side effects, most notably drowsiness, which may affect job performance. Many laws prohibit or restrict people with epilepsy from performing certain duties, most notably driving or operating dangerous machinery, thereby lowering the pool of jobs available to people with epilepsy. People with epilepsy are also prohibited from joining the armed forces, though they may work in certain civilian military positions.
Epilepsy is a condition defined by unprovoked or reflex seizures, often occurring without warning. The condition impacts much of a patient's life, including personal safety, memory, and views by others. Those who have active seizures live with the fact that they can have a seizure at any time. Those whose seizures are controlled by medication live with the underlying side effects and the need to remember to take the medication at the correct times.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition of recurrent episodes of unprovoked epileptic seizures. A seizure is an abnormal neuronal brain activity that can cause intellectual, emotional, and social consequences. Epilepsy affects children and adults of all ages and races, and is one of the most common neurological disorders of the nervous system. Epilepsy is more common among children than adults, affecting about 6 out of 1000 US children that are between the age of 0 to 5 years old. The epileptic seizures can be of different types depending on the part of the brain that was affected, seizures are classified in 2 main types partial seizure or generalized seizure.
Jet's Law is the first eponymous law to be created in the state of Queensland, Australia. It protects people from motorists who have a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive. The most common conditions reported are Epilepsy and Diabetes.
An epilepsy syndrome is defined as "a characteristic cluster of clinical and Electroencephalography (EEG) features, often supported by specific etiological findings ."
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