I think I've mentioned before at some point that I had to stop driving for nearly 2 years because of epilepsy. My first seizure was in my sleep (they have all been the same) in October 2006 so surrendered my licence for 12 months. Had another in January 2007 so the clock re-set on the licence. Had another in October 2007 so the clock re-set again! That was the first one witnessed by my parents and as such gave the doctors enough evidence to start suitable medication. Got my licence back in October 2008.

It has been controlled ever since but stress and sleep deprivation are key triggers for me. Yesterday morning I am gutted to say I had another in my sleep. Ambulance came out etc. and it took some time for me to come out of a dazed condition. My back is now giving serious grief as I have a crushed vertebrae from my first round of seizures.

Fortunately, the DVLA don't take your licence if you've had nothing but sleep seizures for at least 5 years. I may need to inform them as a matter of routine though.

I just felt like sharing this so thanks for reading. Also, just in case you didn't know, only about 3% of people with epilepsy have photosensitive epilepsy which means they are effected by flashing lights. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Really sorry to hear that.

Sharing does help 'Doc', best wishes for a return to good health

must come as a big blow when you have been seizure free for a number of years to have another

Is there anything that might have triggered it? Sleepless nights, working too hard that have built up over time and can these be fixed to help the epilepsy? Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Hang in there Doc - my son also suffers in his case the meds have kept him clear of seizure for about 4 years now - so let's hope you also find one that suits your condition long term. Not a nice thing to have and as you say the seizures and after effects of the rictus can do a lot of damage and last a very long time - good luck to you
Jim No Longer the owner of a 2013MY Fuji White GS

"Fiat Lux" a philosophy not a car

Thanks guys

I've been working my normal job Monday to Friday and have been snowed under racking up 50 hours (standard week is 37) and then on a training course Saturday and Sunday. It's a combination of stress and tiredness I think. Certainly can't complain about my medication which has served me well with little or no side effects for 8 years LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Wish you all the best and thanks for sharing. hopefully the long hours will not last long and you will be back to normal soon.

Cheers. Been to see my GP tonight and as per advice from my neurologist several years ago, my medication is to increase from 100mg twice a day to 150mg twice a day. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I understand how you feel about this - I am a type 1 diabetic on Insulin but I have not had unassisted hypos so have a three year restricted licence although I have friends who have had issues with their Insulin and have had theirs removed completely or moved to a one year restricted licence.

My partner also suffers with epilepsy and has had seizures following stressful periods at work. The 12 month driving ban each time was a complete nightmare for her. I hope you escape the ban and get a bit of a break soon

I fortunately escaped the ban in 2008

Because they have been in my sleep for over 5 years, the DVLA are happy that I won't have them in the day (touch wood) so I am on an unrestricted licence.

Sorry to hear about your partner's troubles. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey