Epilepsy

This chapter on epilepsy reviews the epidemiology of epilepsy, including the classification of seizure types, causes of epilepsy, risks of seizure recurrence, and chances of remission, and examines the responsibility of the occupational health professional and sensible employee restrictions. It reviews primary and secondary prevention of epilepsy in the workplace and the impact of alcohol and drugs. It also considers the effect of antiepileptic drugs and other co-morbidities on work performance and special work problems, including disclosure of epilepsy, accidents, absence records, and employment practice. The chapter ends with a review of the medical services available, opportunities for sheltered work, and epilepsy support organizations, along with a brief discussion on relevant legislation and the driving licence regulations.

Drugs and driving

The Problem - Many drugs may adversely affect driving performance, athough doctors do not always warn their patients of this possibility.1 Every doctor should be familiar with possible unwanted reactions or interactions of drugs he prescribes and with the driving licence regulations, and should advise his patients accordingly. It is an offence to drive or be in charge of a vehicle when the ability to drive is impaired by drugs. A licence holder must notify any relevant or prospective disability which is likely to last more than 3 months to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre. Relevant means a disability which could possibly be a source of danger to the public while driving. This article mainly deals with drugs which might impair driving but whose unwanted effects may be so unobtrusive that they are ignored by the patient. Laws relating to alcohol are not considered here. Some drugs (e.g. anticonvulsants for epilepsy)2 may make driving safer.