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Neurologist won't let me drive unless I take medication after having 1 seizure - is this normal?
Fri, 10/25/2013 - 17:07Hi all,
I am looking for some opinions about the treatment my neurologist has recommended.
I am a 30 year old female and I had a seizure (first and only) on September 11th 2013 while I was sleeping. Aside from the fact that I was jet-lagged there was no reason that my neurologist could think of that may have caused it (i.e. no drinking, drugs, head injury etc) and all the usual tests (EEG, MRI and cat scan) came back normal immediately after the seizure. I had a sleep deprivation EEG about 2 weeks after my seizure that showed 1 abnormal spike.
My doctor wants me to go on Keppra (however I am hesitant because of all the potential side-effects) but she will not let me drive unless I take the medication and I need to be able to drive.
Is it normal after one seizure to medicate or remove driving privileges? My neurologist has only recently graduated and I am wondering if she is erring on the side of caution or if it is standard practice...
Thank you.
Sarah
Comments
Hi Sarah,
Submitted by scarolinus on Sat, 2014-03-29 - 06:13
Hi Sarah,
I've been living with epilepsy for 50 years with many neurologists, in many states and with many drugs over that time, so I hope that this helps.
As has been pointed out:
1. Whether you can drive depends a lot on state law. In GA, if you have a seizure while driving and a subsequent accident in which someone is injured, it can be a felony. Also the neurologist can be charged as an accessory. The law specifically states "Anything that impairs consciousness". So it's a catchall.
2. A diagnosis of epilepsy typically is based on 2 or more seizures. That can be iffy depending on a lot of other factors. It can be relatively benign such as loss of sleep or an OTC med, or deadly such as a tumor.
3. As to Keppra, or any other med for that matter, it takes time see if it works and what dose is needed for you. It was a disaster for me, but it's a life saver for many people for whom it's prescribed. There is also the type of seizure to consider. Keppra is broad spectrum like Depakote, fast acting, and available in IV form. That doesn't make it the best for everyone.
4. If ever in doubt, get a second opinion!
scarolinus ( sam )
Hi Sarah,
Submitted by scarolinus on Sat, 2014-03-29 - 06:09
Hi Sarah, I've been living with epilepsy for 50 years with many neurologists, in many states and with many drugs over that time, so I hope that this helps. As has been pointed out: 1. Whether you can drive depends a lot on state law. In GA, if you have a seizure while driving and a subsequent accident in which someone is injured, it can be a felony. Also the neurologist can be charged as an accessory. The law specifically states "Anything that impairs consciousness". So it's a catchall. 2. A diagnosis of epilepsy typically is based on 2 or more seizures. That can be iffy depending on a lot of other factors. It can be relatively benign such as loss of sleep or an OTC med, or deadly such as a tumor. 3. As to Keppra, or any other med for that matter, it takes time see if it works and what dose is needed for you. It was a disaster for me, but it's a life saver for many people for whom it's prescribed. There is also the type of seizure to consider. Keppra is broad spectrum like Depakote, fast acting, and available in IV form. That doesn't make it the best for everyone. 4. If ever in doubt, get a second opinion! scarolinus ( sam )