Epilepsy Tests and Driving

sams247

Hi all, I went for some advice on migraines today and the consultant wants to rule out epilepsy. He says he really doesn't think I have had any seizures, and he doesn't really think I have epilepsy but he wants to be 100% positive. So, I agree to tests, and all is ok. He then tells me that I have to tell the DVLA and get my licence stopped until the results of the tests! Do I have to do this? I am in grave danger of losing my job if I can't drive. And if I comply and do tell them, does anyone know how long it might take post testing to get my licence back? Has anyone else been through this at all?

Thank you

Paparika

Well what if you are having seizures and have one whilst driving, you crash your car, maybe hurting yourself badley or killing yourself, or someone else.

Can you not take some time off work whilst you await these tests?

You don't say what work you do.

You must be really worried, hope someone can give you answers soon

[Deleted User]

Sorry to hear of your predicament. Yes, you have to tell the DVLA, it's the law.

I have no idea how quickly you will get your licence returned once the tests come back clear (I presume the tests are MRI scan and EEG) but once you get the all clear from your consultant the DVLA are usually very good at turning things around. Your best bet is to phone them and ask them this question.

I think the biggest delay you will face will be waiting to get the actual tests done unfortunately. As for losing your job, perhaps you could be moved to another type of work within the same company that doesn't involve driving?

sams247

Thank you, I am a PA, and that involves going where I need to be sent.

I haven't had a seizure, or a blackout, I went to the Dr as the increase in computer work triggered some bad headaches, and he wanted to see if I was developing migraines, as most of my siblings have it. This comes from that. I would never drive if I felt unsafe, I would not be that irresponsible, but to be fair I went about this in January and have been driving between then and now, so it's a little weird to suddenly be told no driving after all these months. My Dr is pretty sure I have not had anything like a seizure but says to check is no bad thing.

The company I work for has 12 employees in total so no chance of a move, and two were made redundant at Christmas, so I really didn't fancy rocking the boat.

I will phone the DVLA, thank you.

Savvy_Sue

There is a scheme which can help with payments for people who can't drive, I don't know if it would apply to you or even (helpfully) what it's called, but I know some people have been able to pay for taxis when they go back to work after brain surgery. If there's an epilepsy support group (there must be!) it would be worth asking them about this because it must be a common problem.

Do you get your mileage reimbursed if you are working at different locations? Would a combination of taxis / public transport be do-able?

Also - and I know this might not be practical - there's nothing to stop you riding a bike! :rotfl:

System

sams247 wrote: »

Thank you, I am a PA, and that involves going where I need to be sent.

I haven't had a seizure, or a blackout, I went to the Dr as the increase in computer work triggered some bad headaches, and he wanted to see if I was developing migraines, as most of my siblings have it. This comes from that. I would never drive if I felt unsafe,

the problem with epilepsy is it gives no warning ! as a parent of a 12 year old epileptic when ever we go somewhere /do something i always have to make sure ive factored a possible seizure in to the plan ,just incase . your GP would not waste money sending you for expensive tests it there wasnt some thing to suggest that epilepsy is a significant possibility.
good luck with the tests.

sams247

CHRISSYG wrote: »

good luck with the tests.

Thank you for that.

I have phoned the DVLA medical section today and they advise that 'to be tested is not the same as a result, it is the same as not having it, unless you have been told NOT to drive, and in your case we feel that unless the results are positive then you may continue to drive'

Thank you all for stopping by for advice and chat, appreciated

sams247

Chrissy, my son had epilepsy for three years, but it was benign rolandic so he grew out of it, and it only happened at night.

Zziggi

sams247 wrote: »

Thank you for that.

I have phoned the DVLA medical section today and they advise that 'to be tested is not the same as a result, it is the same as not having it, unless you have been told NOT to drive, and in your case we feel that unless the results are positive then you may continue to drive'

Thank you all for stopping by for advice and chat, appreciated

Glad you got clarification. (& i agree that testing is not the same as diagnosis, however if a consultant tells yo uto stop driving then i believe a person should).

I was told that I should not drive by a neurologist. The Neurologist also informed me that I am obliged to tell the DVLA and that the neurologist notes on the file that I have been informed that i must not drive and that I have been told that i must inform the DVLA. Therefore if I don't and something happens, then i cannot claim ignorance.

sams247

appreciate that Zziggi, I talked things over with my family and boss and I am not going to drive. It's a nuisance but there you go. The consultant actually said he thought I'd be fine, but I had to follow the rules laid down by the law that stated that I had to speak to the DVLA.

UKTigerlily

You can get a free bus pass while medically unfit to drive, depending how quickly the tests will take this could be worth considering x