Beware of driving if you are epileptic: Expert

Unlike strict rules that are followed in the Western countries,most of the patients suffering from epilepsy start driving before they are cured of the problem, said Dr Jeyaraj Durai Pandian,at the Department of Neurology,Christian Medical College and Hospital,today.

Unlike strict rules that are followed in the Western countries,most of the patients suffering from epilepsy start driving before they are cured of the problem, said Dr Jeyaraj Durai Pandian,at the Department of Neurology,Christian Medical College and Hospital,today.

According to a study being conducted by Dr Pandian,a professor of Neurology,about 24 per cent of the patients,who have suffered a minor stroke,take to driving without approval from the doctor.

He said: Due to a lack of proper rules in the country,many patients with epilepsy have met with accidents and it is a potential risk on road for the driver with epilepsy as well as the other commuters.

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While applying for a driving licence,there is column which needs a patient to declare ones history of epileptic seizures. But sadly,they do not admit that they suffer from epilepsy, Dr Pandian said.

A few days ago,I saw a person who has a history of epileptic fits. He had met with an accident as he had a seizure while driving and fell off the bike, Dr Pandian said while explaining the risks of driving.

That is why a person is advised to not drive for a year after he has been cured of epilepsy. In Australia and in the western countries too,a person is observed for a year and if he does not have any seizures in that period,he is declared eligible for driving, he said.

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Beware of driving if you are epileptic: Expert

Unlike strict rules that are followed in the Western countries,most of the patients suffering from epilepsy start driving before they are cured of the problem, said Dr Jeyaraj Durai Pandian,at the Department of Neurology,Christian Medical College and Hospital,today.

Unlike strict rules that are followed in the Western countries,most of the patients suffering from epilepsy start driving before they are cured of the problem, said Dr Jeyaraj Durai Pandian,at the Department of Neurology,Christian Medical College and Hospital,today.