Epilepsy and driving.

Abstract

205 actual and potential drivers suffering from epilepsy were examined over a period of nine years in Tasmania under a State scheme whereby all such persons are referred to one neurologist. In Tasmania 0.3% of all road traffic accidents were due to epilepsy. 16% of the total who had had an accident had failed to disclose their disability and another 10% who were non-accident cases had similarly concealed their epilepsy. Only about 28% of the expected number (per year) of new cases of epilepsy in drivers disclose their complaint. Alcohol was a significant association with epilepsy in just over 8%. Medication should continue for at least three consecutive fit-free years and preferable five years. Only two out of 170 drivers approved to drive had a subsequent accident due to epilepsy.