After a single unprovoked seizure in adult life, true is?
A. A patient should not drive for one year
B. A normal EEG excludes epilepsy
C. Life-long anticonvulsants are usually started
D. A cerebral tumour is the most likely cause
A. A patient should not drive for one year
B. A normal EEG excludes epilepsy
C. Life-long anticonvulsants are usually started
D. A cerebral tumour is the most likely cause
Ans.
A. A patient should not drive for
one year
A single seizure does not constitute
epilepsy. However, there is a 40-80% chance of a further seizure within 12
months. An EEG within 24 hours of a fit will show non-specific slowing. A
normal EEG does not exclude the diagnosis of epilepsy nor does a normal CT
exclude the possibility of a structural e.g. small CVA. cause. After a single unprovoked seizure
driving is banned for one year. If more than one fit occurs driving is banned
for one year after the last fit whether the patient is on or off treatment. If
all seizures occur during sleep during sleep not just at night!. and that pattern has been set for three years
driving is allowed. The commonest cause of epilepsy in adult life is
cerebrovascular disease.
