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When is driving safe for someone with epilepsy?
Good evening….mom of a son with epilepsy here. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, just asking for opinions.
At Luca’s last annual visit with mayo neurologist (about 10 days ago), it was decided since he has been seizure free for 2 years with meds and because he has kinda lost drive (quit university and has been just hanging out, he is 20) to lower his meds to make sure he isn’t being overmedicated. So she had him remove 1 of his Depakote doses (he was taking 500 depakote and 100 lamotragine twice daily). Until we knew he wasn’t going to start having seizures from removing this dose my husband and I decided that he shouldn’t drive for his safety and others “until we know”
But when is that? 😂 He asked me tonight when he can drive again and I said I would have to think about it. But I honestly don’t know when it would be safe.
I’d appreciate any advice from this group. You’re always so helpful ❤️
Tracey
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I guess my first question is, what type of seizure does he have? Is it aware or unaware? Does he have an aura before to warn him? Quality of life matters just as much as treatment.
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2 ReactionsI waited two years on medication, no seizures, to start driving again. My Mayo Clinic Neurologist said it was OK but spoke to me in detail where and not where to drive. He doesn’t want me to drive on the Freeways, because there isn’t anywhere to pull over easily. I have Focal epilepsy and always so far have had an Aura before to get myself to a safe place, like the couch. I have been driving most places for 4 months now and it sure is nice to have that independence back.
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9 Reactions@mercuryrose
When your seizures were most active how often did they occur?
Take care,
Jake
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1 Reaction@amye3 What is the doctor's definition of "tract". I have a small tumor with lesions on my MRI.
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1 ReactionI don't know the answer to that question. I only saw the word on my MRI. The neurologist never defined it for me. The did say that I was probably born with it.
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1 Reaction@jakedduck1 Sorry, I just saw this. Once every few months, is my guess. I haven't had one since 2011, thank goodness and the medication. That's why I need to confer with my husband. He's been off on a business trip.
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1 Reaction@jakedduck1
Oops. I answered this by mistake. I didn't see that it wasn't aimed at me. Sorry.
@amye3 I should have researched sooner. A link titled: teachmeanatomy.info tells one all about the brain. One section states the word "tract" . Has to do with the central nervous system and the brain. Better hurry. It seems that the authors of the link are going to start charging $ for it. I hope this helps.
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2 ReactionsIn Wisconsin ( DMV ) takes away your driving privilege until 3 months seizure free and they have your MD documented evidence that can drive .
Thank you for the hug, ope your trip was a success and welcome back.