Driving!!!

[Suzanne H]

Hello!

My husband had a nocturnal seizure four months ago. Then he had a second nocturnal seizure four months after the first one - his medication was not in the proper range, but now it is. We assumed his license was suspended but he received a letter this week telling him that a nocturnal seizure was reported and that they need information from his neurologist about medication and stuff. If they didn't receive it by August 17, his license would be suspended. And here I've been driving all the time, as we thought it already was suspended. So if he had 2 nocturnal seizures - four months apart - and his meds are in the right range now - is there a possibility he won't lose his license? Anyone know anything about this? Or will he have to go one year without a seizure?

Any advice would help.

THANK YOU,
Sue

[Nakamova]

It depends on the laws in your state. But it sounds like as long as the DMV gets the information that they requested by the due date, your husband's license won't be suspended. He probably won't be allowed to drive for whatever the required # of months is though. Some states use the actual date of the seizure for the starting time of no-driving period, others may use the date of when they receive the paperwork. You should call them and ask for clarification.

[Suzanne H]

HI there,

Thank you for such a quick response. My husband thinks he can drive now because the letter said that if they don't have the info by August, they'll suspend his license. He took that as he can drive until they make the decision. Does that make sense? He can drive until they make the decision?

Sue

[Nakamova]

There's a difference between suspension of one's driving privileges and suspension of ones driver's license -- but it may depend on the specific laws in your state. In Massachusetts where I am, you aren't allowed to drive for 6 months after a seizure with loss of consciousness. But you don't lose your license. It's also "honor system" -- the neurologist isn't required to report your seizure to the DMV. In other states the neurologist IS required to inform the DMV, and also has to provide a clean bill of health before driving can resume. What state are you in?

[Suzanne H]

Hi there,

I'm in Canada - Ontario. I am very capable and willing to drive my husband but he is so independent. I wanted him to call the MTO to see if that means he can still drive but he says 'nope, I'll just go with what the letter says'. I went to the MTO website and found one answer where they said that if they suspend your license, that letter will arrive with the other letter (which he got) requiring more information. So he thinks he can drive until his license is officially suspended. If I interfere and call, he'll be angry. I'm just worried because he has to see a doctor today and it's 45 minutes away and he's planning on driving. His neurologist said that it's not her decision, it's the MTO'S decision. My husband did think his license was suspended all this time and I've been driving him everywhere for the past 5 months but yesterday he drove himself to the doctor and today he's going to another doctor.

I guess there is nothing I can do. I wish he wouldn't drive at all until we know for sure, but it does say on the letter that if they don't get the info, it will be suspended in August.

Thanks for your help,
Sue

[Fedup]

Nakamova

That is a breath of fresh air, what you wrote about ones driving privileges and suspension of ones driver's license,the law in Ireland about driving is unfair if you are an epileptic.

[Fedup]

Suzanne H

He has to realize himself the problems he faces and the consequences, there is nothing you can do except try talking to him and I think he is like me, stubborn,you say white I say black, ok I am not perfect (yet)

[Suzanne H]

Ha! Ha! He is stubborn, but I'm very compassionate. These seizures came out of the blue - he's 65 years old and never had seizures before and he's freaked out about them. He's very upset over a loss of independence. So far he has had only 2 -- 4 months apart and both at night. So I know he's going to drive today. I was hoping he'd invite me along but I'm not going to interfere and ask. He's a tough, independent guy.

Thanks so much for your wisdom and help.

Sue

[Fedup]

Suzanne H

I know you are compassionate just like my wife and I get seizures at night. I have a job and Drive and every so often my wife asks me about it usually by saying " I am not trying to upset you or question you but are you sure you are alright to drive" this is after I have a bad seizure and me I usually get thick and angry and then she will say " sorry but I worry that your ok " and that is the end. I never go back and say I understand because I know she understands me and it feels good to know.

I am stubborn in every way

[seizing more]

lost my license in January. I also have night seizures, although my 1st was during the day...my roomies called the paramedics, I was hospitalized & reported, i've had many since that fateful day. It's rough, I also got a letter from the DMV stating my doctor suspended my license & i'd have to be stable on meds and seizure free for 1 yr then appear before a board of DMV directors to get it back. it's a great deal of stress to plan my day with rides, buses or cabs, long hours and just a big pain. I guess I just want to scream! This can't be real? But it is............

[Suzanne H]

Thanks everyone for your great responses. And I'm sorry for all those who have lost their licenses. I can't even imagine what that would be like - to have to depend on others so much, not to mention cabs and buses.

So far, my husband hasn't lost his license yet. Both his seizures were nocturnal, 4 months apart. The second one occurred when his meds were not in the proper range but it's in the range now, so hopefully his seizures will be controlled. Can you get seizures even though your meds are in the proper range???

Right now the transportation board has asked for more information from his doctor - so we don't know if his license will be suspended or not. I admit, I get nervous when he's driving and I'm in the car, but his need to be independent and drive is strong so I try to relax.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Sue

[Endless]

If you would like to know the driving laws in your state (regarding seizures), please go to:

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/re...s-by-State.cfm
Use the drop-down box to choose your state

OR

http://www.epilepsy.com/EPILEPSY/rights_driving
Scroll down and you can click on your state.