How is everyone's summer going?

As the summer 'heats up', literally and figuratively, I want to jump back into blogging by reminding everyone about driving after seizures.  Below is a general fact sheet about when and how to go about driving post seizure:

Driving when you have had seizures 

• For most people, driving represents freedom, control and competence. Driving enables most people to get to the places they want or need to go. For many people, driving is important economically – some drive as part of their job or to get to and from work. Others drive to be able to shop for necessities, to maintain social connections or participate in activities.
• Driving is a complex skill. Our ability to drive safely can be affected by changes in our physical, emotional and mental condition. The goal of this brochure is to help you, your family and your health care professional talk about how having had one or more seizures may affect your ability to drive safely.
  

How can having a seizure affect
my driving?

• Having a seizure can cause you to lose control of your body, change the way you act and sense things, or make you pass out suddenly. If you have a seizure while you are driving, you could lose control of your car and cause a crash. You could hurt yourself and others.
  

Can I still drive if I have had seizures?

• Many people who have had seizures are able to return to driving once their seizures are under control. But your return to safe driving after one or more seizures depends on the following key factors:
  
• The cause of your seizure; 
• The type of seizure you typically have; 
• The laws of the state in which you are licensed; and
• How long you have been free of seizures that affect your awareness

If you're wondering about how Utah stacks up to national law here is a simple way to remember...

Seizure freedom and medication history are quite dependent on your ability to drive after being diagnosed with epilepsy.  As I believe it, you are allowed to drive if you have had over 3-6 months of freedom while on medication.  The medical release form that your physician signs regulates this and even allows for one breakthrough seizure every 2 years.  The inability to drive is enforced when your medication doesn't allot you any consistent seizure freedom.

Now all of this is dependent on on your physician.  I have seen some doctors be more conservative with the driving privileges they will sign off on and others more liberal.  The best way to know is to sit down at your next appointment with your doctor and talk it over!

Have a wonderful summer!

Trina