Hi guys, a question regarding Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Evixen

I've been suffering with TLE for around 30 years now yet have only just managed to nail down exactly what it is. I've yet to talk to a doctor regarding this ( now i know what it is, previously they've been regarded as just panic attacks by doctors) but i've a concearn. As well as having TLE and a number of ither issues i'm also the carer of my severly disabled wife and a car is beyond important to both of us. My worry is my driving license, does anyone know of or had experiance of where i may stand and does TLE mean you'll have your driving license taken away because of it?

poppy123456

Hi,

If you're having seizures while you're awake then yes you must report this to DVLA because you will no longer be fit to drive. There's some information in these links.

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/driving/reporting-seizures-to-driving-agency

https://www.gov.uk/epilepsy-and-driving

You need to be seizure free for at least 12 months before you can reapply for your license.

You do need to speak to your GP who will also advise you to contact DVLA.

Alex_Scope

Hello @Evixen and welcome to the community. Thanks for your query, I've just moved it over into our independent living category so our members can share their thoughts more easily.

The epilepsy society has information on driving regulations for people with epilepsy which I hope is useful for you. 

Gov.uk also has information from the DVLA on what you must do if you've experienced certain types of seizures. 

If you'd prefer talking everything through with someone, the epilepsy society have a helpline you can call.

Please do have a look through these, and let me know if you're still unsure of anything, or would like any other support. It can be worrying when we're not sure of something, especially when it has such a big impact on our lives. 

Keep us updated with how you get on.

Alex

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

From your post it seems this is a self diagnosis and personally I would get a professional diagnosis and advice regarding your fitness to drive from your gp 

happyfella

i had epilepsy for twenty hears. I am now free but monitored. It is important you speak to your doctor and they will run test and put you on the right medication. The trouble with epilepsy and what some people don't know is each time you have an episode it can affect your brain. I suffer from problems because of this. But i would not drive if you are having episodes

Evixen

Thanks for the replies everyone.

It's not epilepsy as most people understand it. TLE is like a panic attack coupled with odd sensations such as weird smells and a very distinct feeling of deja vu. I understand that with usual epilepsy driving is dangerous as you totally lose control however TLE doesn't have that and you don't lose control at all (other than the second of Oh pants, not again).

Libby_Alumni

Hello @Evixen,

Thank you for your comment and I hope some of our members could help with their above suggestions.

It might be worthwhile speaking to your GP about this and trying to get an official diagnosis as this will help you moving forward. Is this something you feel comfortable doing? Epilepsy Action state that in the UK:

The law says that if you hold a driving licence, or want to start driving for the first time, you must tell the driving agency about your epilepsy. In England, Scotland and Wales you need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). In Northern Ireland you need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

Some people believe that if you have epilepsy, you will never be allowed to hold a driving licence. But for many people with epilepsy this isn't true. 

I know you mentioned that TLE doesn't typically present the 'common' epileptic symptoms, however, it still seems to be categorised as a form of epilepsy and therefore, you would need to tell the driving agency about this and your current health status.

I hope the above is helpful and please do let us know if you have any further questions.

Libby