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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 - 17:07
Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Adults
Hi 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

Neuro won't let me drive unless I take med after having 1 seiz.

Submitted by tcameron on Fri, 2013-10-25 - 21:07
Depending on where you live, yes it is normal. Here in California, its the law.

Re: Neurologist won't let me drive unless I take medication

Submitted by Nerak95 on Mon, 2013-10-28 - 01:31

Are you or had you been taking any other prescribed  medications, whether they’re OTC or prescribed or taking any supplements before you had the seizure?

Karen

Are you or had you been taking any other prescribed  medications, whether they’re OTC or prescribed or taking any supplements before you had the seizure?

Karen

Epilepsy can be defined as

Submitted by Frank Lee on Mon, 2013-10-28 - 12:19

Epilepsy can be defined as "2 or more unprovoked seizures"

1. You have not had 2 seizures; 2. Your seizure could have been the result of stress, exhaustion, a bad dream, etc.;  All tests came back normal (including 1 spike)                                                                                                                                                                                   

And Keppra may not be the best medication to go on. Check the side-effects!

I would explain this to another, more experienced, neurologist. I would never take the opinion of only one neurologist, especially when they take your driver's license!  

Epilepsy can be defined as "2 or more unprovoked seizures"

1. You have not had 2 seizures; 2. Your seizure could have been the result of stress, exhaustion, a bad dream, etc.;  All tests came back normal (including 1 spike)                                                                                                                                                                                   

And Keppra may not be the best medication to go on. Check the side-effects!

I would explain this to another, more experienced, neurologist. I would never take the opinion of only one neurologist, especially when they take your driver's license!  

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