A systematic review examining conflicting attitudes around safety and legislation towards people driving with epilepsy

Road crashes that have been caused by epilepsy seizures have led to changes in perceptions about people driving with epilepsy. Objective: By carrying out a review of the studies that have been conducted in this area, these conflicting attitudes towards people driving with epilepsy can be summarised. Study Design: A comprehensive and systematic review of the available literature was conducted. Methods: Using PubMed, PsychINFO, Science Direct, PROSPERO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and included hand searches of reference lists within relevant papers and narrative reviews. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and examined the attitudes of professionals, individuals with epilepsy and the general public on driving behaviour among individuals with epilepsy. Results identified a difference in opinion about driving with epilepsy; individuals felt that driving played a big part in them living independently and were willing to drive against legislation in order to continue travel. The more experienced a physician within the area of epilepsy, the more lenient their views with regard to legislation on driving with epilepsy. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of finding ways to increase the perceived susceptibility and severity of driving with uncontrolled seizures to maintain road safety and the need for further education on this topic. This in turn would reduce car crashes associated with epilepsy and reduce the associated stigma.