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Various areas of the brain that are sources of seizure activityThere are seizures that cause people to lose consciousness. Other types render a person unable to move but conscious. There are also seizures that cause people to move about wildly, causing harm to themselves and possibly to others around them. There are four sub-categories of seizure types.
Generalized Seizures are those that have an affect on both sides of the brain. Non-Epileptic Seizures are often caused when people have a high fever. Partial Seizures are limited to affecting one side of the brain. Status Epilepticus is, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, "a continuous state of seizure." This means that it goes on for an indefinite period of time. -
Traffic Safety and the LawsDifferent types of seizures may have different affects on driving, but that's not to say some seizures are always safer than others. Loss of consciousness is something that will prevent a person from driving at all until they have been seizure free for a certain length of time. Each state requires a specific amount of time of seizure freedom before a license would be issued. Many people don't lose consciousness while having a seizure, but that's not to say it is a safe seizure. That type of activity too must be known by the license bureau. It is said that people who have "auras" before a seizure are able to pull over more so than those who have no warning of the seizure. -
There Is Life For EpilepticsAccording to the Epilepsy Foundation, each state has specific laws about driving with epilepsy. Many states require six months of seizure freedom before pursuing a license. Some require less; others require more. There are some states that don't allow epileptics to drive at all. The laws outweigh the medical rulings. For example, when a person lives in a state that doesn't allow driving with epilepsy, but a person takes medication that keeps them from having any seizures it makes no difference to the person's desires. -
Monitoring Unit TestingThe testing of seizure activity can lead to the ability to drive in most states. The Cleveland Clinic is known for extensive seizure testing in its Epilepsy Monitoring Unit where people are connected to machines that will test seizures that occur and determine the source of the activity, the portion of the brain that is impacted and perhaps the very best treatment, medication or surgery for the condition. - When sources are determined, treatment can be determined as well. In this case, driving privileges are brought to possibility for a great many people who have spent years over the driving age unable to drive.
