Epilepsy and driving: an international perspective. Joint Commission on Drivers' Licensing of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy

Epilepsia. 1994 May-Jun;35(3):675-84. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1994.tb02491.x.

Abstract

Individuals with a history of seizures may be granted driving privileges if the risks of future seizure while driving are relatively low. Different nations have defined these risks in a wide variety of ways. Some countries, e.g., Japan, Greece, Brazil, India, and Russia, preclude driving after a single seizure. Other countries, such as Canada and the United States, allow driving < or = 3 months after certain types of seizures. A Joint Commission of the International Bureau for Epilepsy/International League Against Epilepsy has summarized regulations in several countries. From a consideration of medical literature and existing practices, a series of proposed guidelines for driving and epilepsy is recommended. In general, these guidelines suggest use of a seizure-free interval, generally 1-2 years but less in particular instances, to determine fitness to drive. Required physician reporting is discouraged, but physicians should report patients whom they believe pose a danger to themselves and to public safety. Individualized consideration should be given to special circumstances that may modify a general driving prohibition. Education and information programs are necessary for medical and regulatory authorities to develop a rational approach to driving and epilepsy worldwide.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / prevention & control
  • Automobile Driver Examination / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Automobile Driving / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Epilepsy*
  • Global Health
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Information Services
  • Legislation, Medical
  • State Government
  • United States