When is driving safe for someone with epilepsy?

@tchandos Jake (@jakeduck1) is absolutely 100% correct relating to the meds. I agree with his comment as to preferably waiting a year subject to future tests. Many years ago, I had a seizure while driving and was fortunate to have a passenger in the car who saved my life. Also, @methel is spot on relating to different state laws relative to driving. It is not only your son's life but others as well that needs be considered which I'm sure you are aware and rightfully concerned about. In NJ, the neurologist had to sign off for the DMV as to when I was permitted to drive. On the right meds and correct amount, hopefully he will be under control. I've been seizure free since the 1970's and still on the same meds. Wish you and your son the best!

@njed That's interesting. My neurologist just told me that since I haven't had a seizure in 15 years, that the current recommendations by the Academy is to get off of the medication. I'm okay with trying that. I'd love to not have to take medication for the rest of my life.

@njed That's interesting. My neurologist just told me that since I haven't had a seizure in 15 years, that the current recommendations by the Academy is to get off of the medication. I'm okay with trying that. I'd love to not have to take medication for the rest of my life.

@njed That's interesting. My neurologist just told me that since I haven't had a seizure in 15 years, that the current recommendations by the Academy is to get off of the medication. I'm okay with trying that. I'd love to not have to take medication for the rest of my life.

@amye3

Perhaps what causes the seizures makes a difference? I have a “scar on the brain” quoting my neurologist, caused by the stroke or the brain tumor, or the surgery to remove the brain tumor nine years ago. In my experience, other surgical scars may fade, but are permanent. And so I don’t expect anything different for this one.

But I see the possibility that seizures not caused by permanent structural damage could disappear with time.

@amye3 Hi, well perhaps things have changed. I was put on Dilantin in early 1970's, seizures stopped. Changed docs in 1986, blood work showed Dilantin level at 2 which is far below therapeutic level, so doc removed me from seizure control meds. Exactly 16 days later, 30 miles out at sea sport fishing, had a seizure and same doc put me back on Dilantin. No issues since 1986, several docs asked why I am still on Dilantin for 53 years, when I tell them the story, they usually say...OK, got it. Everybody is different and as I said, perhaps things have changed but I won't. Still take 600mg daily and always will.

Hi Ed,
Congratulations on being 40 years seizure free.
I've never had a normal EEG. I am always having seizures in my brain that don't always manifest into actual physical seizures. If I didn't take my medication the physical symptoms would occur within 24-48 hours based on past experiences which is why I can't stop my AWFUL medication. I was curious if you also had these sub-clinical seizures.
I also had a blood level of two. That's when I had my first focal impaired seizure while I was driving. Like you there was someone else in the car to get it off the road. I crawled over my mom to get out of the passenger door and then went wandering out into the road. When looking back we often wonder. Looking back I think many of us wonder why we are still here today.
I hope before anyone discontinues medication that their doctors do the essential tests to decrease the seizure risk as much as possible.
Take care Ed,
Jake

@jakedduck1 Jake...had the idiot doctor NOT taken me off my Dilantin, it is likely I would not have had a seizure in 1986. By the way, when I "came to" following the seizure, I was in a basket looking at the bottom of a US Coast Guard helicopter, trap door open, who came out 30 miles into the ocean and plucked me off a boat. Never forget that one!! I knew what happened.
Each EEG were normal all done at teaching hospitals so no reason or cause for seizures. I did not have sub-clinical seizures at all. We were both lucky to have a passenger in the car. I am sorry to hear about your situation in that lack of medication would likely trigger physical symptoms. No doubt, we will be on meds for life. I often wonder if the level of Dilantin can be the cause of the peripheral neuropathy. My neurologist says no. But....?? I agree, tests are mandatory before any changes in meds especially in discontinuing. And, like you, at times, I too wonder why I'm still here. I look at my kids and grandkids and know why. It is meant to be.
Stay well Jake.
Ed

@amye3 i would love that too , right now i have around 30 tablets a day including a couple supplements. some of my medications will be for the rest of my life no choice stuff so i take them. was told without them i would not live long. that in itself is a hard pill to swallow. That's life and i am just now waking up to a new me of sorts. we will see at the end of the month what else i can manage to change for the better. Everybody have a blessed evening.