Driving in Patients with Epilepsy: Doctor's Perspective

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Abstract

PURPOSE
To know Korean doctors' opinions about motor vehicle driving in patients with epilepsy and to identify some characteristics contributing to their opinions.
METHODS
Questionnaires survey was done via internet network among the members of Korean Epilepsy Society. Questionnaires comprised of 19 questions. And the obtained data was analyzed depending on the respondent's basic information such as their specialty and the number of patients treated monthly.
RESULTS
One hundred twenty three respondents participated in this study. Overall, 64% of respondents required 2 years or more seizure-free period for driving in patients with chronic epilepsy. The majority of respondents preferred flexibility of driving regulation depending on seizure type or seizure recurring pattern. Neurologist was less strict for driving regulation especially in patients only with simple partial seizures.
CONCLUSIONS
The major opinion, that is, requirement of 2 years or more seizure-free period for driving in patients with chronic epilepsy, was not changed over past 10 years. More symposium and studies for changing doctors' opinion are needed.