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Most people diagnosed with epilepsy are forbidden by their local laws from
operating vehicles (However in some jurisdictions such as California, you have
to be seizure free for 6 months before you are allowed to drive). Seizure
victims have caused many fatal car accidents and plane crashes. However, there
are usually special exceptions for those who can prove that they have stabilized
their condition for a period of time with the help of appropriate medication.
Those few whose seizures do not cause impairment of consciousness, or whose
seizures only arise from sleep, may be exempt from such restrictions, depending
on local laws.
There is an ongoing debate in bioethics over who should bear the burden of
ensuring that an epilepsy patient does not drive a car or fly an airplane. In
the U.S., the majority of the 50 states place the burden on patients to report
their condition to appropriate licensing authorities so that their privileges
can be revoked where appropriate. A minority of states (including California)
place the burden on the patient's physician. Empirical studies have demonstrated
that such laws may deter epilepsy patients from seeking treatment from a
physician for their condition, because they fear the loss of their driving
privileges.
In the UK, it is the responsibility of the patient to inform the Driver and
Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they have epilepsy[6]. The DVLA rules are
quite complex[7], but in summary, those continuing to have seizures or who are
within 6 months of medication change may have their license revoked. 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. For more information, read the Epilepsy Action booklet on
Driving.
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