Seizures & driving

pinky07

Hi everyone
Just wanna see if anyone has or is in the position I'm in
I had a seizure last September & was referred to a neurologist had an MRI ct and EEG which were all normal was allowed to continue driving and all was put down to alcohol lack of sleep and not eating properly and this is what provoked it
Had another seizure a few weeks ago was at neurologist again and was told I'm off the road for a year was told it was an unprovoked seizure hadn't much sleep the night before it happened
Epilepsy wasn't mentioned by neurologist but on medication used for epilepsy
Being off the road not going good for me feeling very down and all as really rely on my car as I live in the middle of nowhere
Have seen on rsa website and epilepsy ireland website that first unprovoked seizure is 6 months off the
Just wondering is anyone in this situation or have been in the past and how did it work out
Thanks :-)

TherapyBoy

I've never had a seizure, but have had a lot of brain surgery. Every time after surgery the neurosurgeon tells me I'm off the road for 3 months in case of seizure. I love my car & I live for driving but for those 3 months I won't even sit in the drivers seat.
I know it sucks not being able to drive, especially if you're feeling ok & living in the middle of nowhere like you say. If I was in your position I'd cut back on alcohol, try to make sure I was getting enough sleep & eating properly, cut out anything that could be a potential seizure trigger & ask your neurologist to review when you've been healthy & seizure-free for 3 months/6 months etc.

It can be hard to see the good side of these situations sometimes. Try not to look at it as you can't drive for a year, see getting back in the drivers seat as something to look forward to, a nice reward at the end.

Keep your head up!

Red_Dwarf

pinky07 wrote: »

Hi everyone
Just wanna see if anyone has or is in the position I'm in
I had a seizure last September & was referred to a neurologist had an MRI ct and EEG which were all normal was allowed to continue driving and all was put down to alcohol lack of sleep and not eating properly and this is what provoked it
Had another seizure a few weeks ago was at neurologist again and was told I'm off the road for a year was told it was an unprovoked seizure hadn't much sleep the night before it happened
Epilepsy wasn't mentioned by neurologist but on medication used for epilepsy
Being off the road not going good for me feeling very down and all as really rely on my car as I live in the middle of nowhere
Have seen on rsa website and epilepsy ireland website that first unprovoked seizure is 6 months off the
Just wondering is anyone in this situation or have been in the past and how did it work out
Thanks :-)

I Think you need to not think of Driving and request an MRI. Just to be on the safe side.

vitani

I had two seizures six months apart. The first, similar to you, was put down to dehydration and lack of sleep. The second happened in my sleep and there was no reason for it, apart from the fact that I'd been busy and under stress. I wasn't allowed to drive for a year and was put on medication.

I'm happy to say that I'm now seizure-free for over twelve years and off medication for nearly six.

I know not being able to drive is limiting but honestly, it's really not worth the risk.

Oink

Hi OP,

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

I know of at least one documented example when the driver didn't listen to their GP's advice, and killed several people, so I am glad you are doing the right thing.

I hope you find a way to get out and about. It can be so hard to just sit at home.

Best of luck!

pinky07

Thanks very much everyone for your positive messages :-)
I know driving not worth the risk....5 and a half weeks down! :-)

byhookorbycrook

Have you notified your insurance company? If not, I'd do so well before you plan to get back on the road.

pinky07

No have only suspended my insurance for the moment but will tell them when I go back on the road

LegacyUser

I had to take the year off driving too when I was diagnosed three years ago after i had a few seizures (no seizures since starting the medication). To be honest there were tough times but the year flew by. The best piece of advice I got was to take the money I would normally spend on diesel every week, and use it to pay for taxis instead. Another habit I developed which came in handy was to stockpile essentials whenever i went shopping to avoid being stuck without something and not being able to just jump in the car and pick it up. Also remember the strongest people are those who ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for lifts whenever you are stuck. It also amazed me over the course of that year how many strangers stopped to offer me a lift, there are still some kind, decent people out there!
I also spent the year worrying how much my car insurance would go up by, but it didn't! Im with liberty btw. Sorry for the essay but i know its important to get all the info u can in these situations!

pinky07

Thanks very much for your positive post...making me look on the good side anyway ha
Relying on lifts wrecking my head so far but people being so nice about it and that i cant help what happened
Going getting a bike, have to move closer to work aswell but could all end up good by time the year is over
Good point about stocking up going shopping
Was thinking about the insurance aswell...with liberty aswell so was dreading when id have to renew...1 good thing anyway that it wont go up! :-)
Thank very much again :-)

delw

I don't suffer from seizures & thankfully haven't but have brain tumors & told i can't drive.This all came about last May & may be it's just my case but was told by hospital that new procedure was 12 mnts & then reviewed but with seizures it's 2 years.I do miss driving but have gotten used to taking the bus however im not in the middle of nowhere like you OP,wish you well.