Factors contributing to driving by people with uncontrolled seizures

Abstract

People with epilepsy (PWE) are restricted from driving because of the concern over seizure-related car accidents. We investigated the characteristics of driving in these people and aimed to identify factors associated with driving in those with uncontrolled seizures. Of 290 epilepsy patients, 58% had a driver's license, 40% had driven during the last year. Of 179 persons with uncontrolled seizures, 65 (36%) had driven a car in the previous year. About 9% of PWE with driver's license experienced seizure-related accidents in the previous 5 years, but it was significantly more reported by those with uncontrolled seizures. Being male, married, and employed, and taking fewer antiepileptic drugs were the factors independently associated with increased likelihood of driving in patients with uncontrolled seizures. (C) 2011 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.