@article{ref1,
title="Seizure attacks while driving: quality of life in persons with epilepsy",
journal="Canadian journal of neurological sciences",
year="2009",
author="Tiamkao, Somsak and Sawanyawisuth, Kittisak and Towanabut, Somchai and Visudhipun, Pongsak",
volume="36",
number="4",
pages="475-479",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To study the effect on quality of life (QOL) of a seizure attack while driving in persons with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS: From four provincial and eight university hospitals in Thailand, we enrolled epileptic patients who drove a car or motorcycle or used to drive. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate QOL. The mean SF-36 score for all dimensions was calculated and compared with patients who either had or did not have a seizure attack while driving and in those who either had or had not been involved in a traffic accident while driving. RESULTS: We had 245 adult PWE who drove a car or motorcycle or used to drive. Of these, 69 cases (28%) had a seizure attack whilst driving. Over half (36/69; 57%) had had seizure-related accidents, most of which were mild but about 20% needed hospitalization. PWE having a seizure attack while driving had a significantly lower QOL in four of the eight categories compared with patients who had not. PWE who had a seizure-related accident had a significantly lower mean value in the vitality category than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Seizure attacks while driving diminished QOL in PWE even though they only suffered minor injuries. Driving as a QOL issue should be discussed with patients. A good public transportation system would ease the need to drive.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0317-1671",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}