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For Those Who Drive….

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Denver, CO

How long has it been since you had a seizure? Have your Doctors said it was okay to drive?

November 5
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I was fortunate enough to be able to drive, as my seizures did not cause me to lose consciousness. But that changed 6 years ago, so I talked with my neurologist, we increased my meds, and I voluntarily surrendered my license to the DMV...laws do vary by state, so look it up for your state and also talked to your neurologist to see if they think you can drive or should not drive.
Mine point blank told me, if they ever felt that I should not drive, they would notify the DMV if I failed to. Understand this was not a threat or scare tactic: If I had a seizure while driving, and had an accident, and my doctor knew I had seizures that cause loss of consciousness, there are ramifications.
You must be completely honest with your neurologist AND YOURSELF about your seizures.
As I said, I surrendered my license and did not drive for 2 years. I could have gotten it back sooner (at a year), but I wanted to be sure I was stabilized again, as this was a big change in my seizures. I was having quite a lot occur that I was losing consciousness (or not aware of what was happening), and more tonic-clonic ones. Once I was no longer having loss of consciousness, I went another year because of the tonic-clonic.
When my seizures improved, my neurologist cleared me to drive, providing me with the necessary documentation.
Let me say it is also best if you voluntarily surrender your license versus a doctor notifying the DMV that you shouldn't drive. And there is no shame in not being able to drive. Sure, it is hard (and I live rural so there are no buses or cabs), but if it comes down to safety, I would rather be safe. My father ridiculed me for not being able to drive, but I would rather not jeopardize my daughter's safety, or anyone else I may hurt or kill due to an accident caused by a seizure.
Sorry to paint such a harsh picture, but let's face it, epilepsy isn't easy!

November 5 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

*the last part!*

Now, let me see if I can help clear up any confusion you, or anyone else for that matter, may have about driving with Epilepsy:
Although Colorado does not have a set time frame to be free of seizures, they can still revoke/deny a license if they feel you pose a safety risk. "the state requires that each driver license applicant disclose a physical disability that would cause a lapse of consciousness. Colorado law allows the department to seek medical opinion from any physician, physician’s assistant or optometrist in the state to determine if a licensed driver or applicant for a driver’s license is physically and mentally able to drive safely. Medical opinions may only be sought if the department has reason to believe that the driver or applicant is physically or mentally unable to drive safely.
No civil or criminal action may be brought against a physician, physician’s assistant or optometrist for providing a report to the department, if they acted in good faith. The medical information is reviewed by the Driver License office supervisor. Depending on the recommendations of the physician, the person may be issued a regular license, a restricted license, or no license at all. Each case is assessed individually. An individual whose license is cancelled may request a hearing within thirty days of the cancellation. An individual may obtain judicial review of a decision to deny or suspend a license within thirty days.
When in doubt about driving in any state, anyone can easily look up any state at the following link: https://www.epilepsy.com/lifestyle/driving-and-...

https://www.epilepsy.com/lifestyle/driving-and-transportation/laws
November 6
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

My epileptologist made me stick to the rules. He'd give me a date six months after the day I said I had a seizure. He'd say, "I can't keep you from driving but I won't support you if you drive and something happens before this date." Even after my surgery in December, the surgeon told me I could drive right away but my epileptologist told me I had to wait until April. While I had the time, I ordered a personal license plate with OTRA 4 on it. I was On The Road Again in April.

November 6 (edited)
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It has been over 6 years since I had a seizure. Yes, I got permission from my Neurologist before I got my license!

November 6
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I agree with you and your post and the other people's posts here, I think it's dif per person, I had my license and drove for about 29 years, I got into two car wrecks, nobody was hurt, but I gave up my driver's license at my ssdi case in 2011 by my own call and was ok with that, I don't intend to get it back, but do what is going to be ok with you and your condition you have and go by the necessary measures to get it, but don't put yourself or anybody else in harms way, hang in there and try to stay pos and keep safe, my opinion, good luck with your condition and outcome of your finding out what is going to be your best bet with,

November 6

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