You may be wondering if you can drive if you have epilepsy. Each person’s response to this question is unique. You may be able to drive if you have epilepsy, depending on your medical circumstances and the rules in your state. You can talk to a Car accident attorney in Atlanta to learn more. Communication with your healthcare team is critical to ensuring that you can drive safely. 

Can you drive if you have epilepsy? 

Every state in the United States allows certain individuals with epilepsy to drive legally. Because each state has unique criteria, staying up to speed on the ones in your state is critical.

Many states require patients to be seizure-free for a certain length of time before driving. This seizure-free interval might last anywhere between 3 months and two years.

They may also demand a physician’s assessment of your capacity to drive safely or request that you submit your medical records regularly to ensure that you are receiving appropriate and effective treatment.

However, states generally ask that you be seizure-free, that your seizures be controlled, and that your neurologist believes your seizures are under control.

Working with a neurologist to treat symptoms can help many persons with epilepsy attain a state’s mandated seizure-free threshold. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that with the right therapy, up to 70% of persons with epilepsy might be seizure-free.

Which forms of seizures are more dangerous when driving?

Each person’s epilepsy symptoms will be unique. Seizures are classified into two types: partial (focal) and general.

Focal seizures 

Seizures that do not involve loss of consciousness are known as focal seizures, previously known as partial seizures. These impact only one area of the brain and can result in the following:

• twitching and tingling limbs
• dizziness
• changes in taste or smell, sight, hearing, or touch
• repetitive movements
• unresponsiveness
• staring blanky

Generalized seizures 

• Absence seizures 

Absence seizures were previously referred to as “petit mal seizures.” This can cause confusion, blank looks, and repeated actions such as blinking or lip-smacking.

• Tonic seizures 

Tonic seizures can cause you to become rigid in your arms, trunk, or legs.

• Atonic seizures 

Atonic seizures, often known as “drop seizures,” occur due to a rapid lack of muscular power, which might lead you to fall.

• Clonic seizures 

This might result in jerky muscular facial, neck, and arm movements.

• Myoclonic seizures 

Myoclonic seizures are characterized by rapid twitching of the arms and legs.

Driving with focal or generalized seizures harms you and others on the road.