Does epilepsy affect driving?

In the U.S., 700,000 licensed drivers have epilepsy. If you have it, taking the wheel means balancing the need for independence against the need for safety. All states allow people with epilepsy to drive.

Can seizures prevent you from driving?

Having a seizure can cause you to lose control of your body, change the way you act and sense things, or make you pass out suddenly. If you have a seizure while you are driving, you could lose control of your car and cause a crash.

Can adults with epilepsy drive?

In the United States, people must be seizure free for a period of time before they can drive. The length of time seizure free varies from state to state. It may range 3 months to 2 years and is most commonly 6 months.

Are there any health problems associated with epilepsy?

Some health problems or symptoms are seen more often in people with seizures than in people without seizures. They could be related to the seizures, or they could be due to whatever is causing the epilepsy. For example, mood problems or changes could be related to times of seizures or side effects of medicines.

What are the latest advances in epilepsy treatment?

Medical and research advances in the past two decades have led to a better understanding of the epilepsies and seizures. More than 20 different medications and a variety of dietary treatments and surgical techniques (including two devices) are now available and may provide good control of seizures.

Do lights affect people with photosensitive epilepsy?

Because people’s sensitivities are so individual, not everything will affect every person with photosensitive epilepsy. The following are some of the things that people ask us about: UK law says that these lights mustn’t flash at less than one or more than 4 flashes a second.

How can I learn more about the impact of epilepsy?

Attend an Epilepsy Foundation conference near you and learn more about the impact of epilepsy. On February 27, 2019, Elaine Kiriakopoulos MD, MSc, talked with Alison Pack MD, MPH, and Alison Kukla MPH on a webinar entitled, “#KnowYourEpilepsy.”