NYMC Faculty Publications

Unveiling the Impact of Seizures While Driving: A Retrospective Cohort Study on Type, Frequency, and Consequences in People With Epilepsy Prior to Diagnosis

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1177/15357597231218084

Journal Title

Epilepsy Currents

First Page

329

Last Page

330

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2024

Department

Neurology

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Impact of Seizures While Driving Prior to Diagnosis in People With Focal Epilepsy: Motor Vehicle Accidents and Time to Diagnosis Bases B, Barnard S, French JA, Pellinen J. Neurology. 2023;101(13):e1370-e1375. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000207464. PMID: 37286361 Objective: To identify the type, frequency, and consequences of seizures while driving (SzWD) in people with epilepsy prior to diagnosis. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Human Epilepsy Project (HEP) to identify pre-diagnostic SzWD. Clinical descriptions from seizure diaries and medical records were used to classify seizure types and frequencies, time-to-diagnosis, and SzWD outcomes. Data was modeled using multiple logistic regression to assess for factors independently associated with SzWD. Results: 32 pre-diagnostic SzWD were reported among 23/447 (5.1%) participants. Of these, seven (30.4%) had more than one. Six participants (26.1%) experienced a SzWD as their first-lifetime seizure. Most SzWD were focal with impaired awareness (n = 27, 84.4%). Of participants who had MVAs, six (42.9%) had no recollection. SzWD led to hospitalization in 11 people. Median time from first seizure to first SzWD was 304 days (IQR = 0-4056 days). Median time between first SzWD to diagnosis was 64 days (IQR = 10-176.5 days). Employment was associated with a 3.95-fold increased risk of SzWD (95% CI: 1.2-13.2, p = 0.03), and non-motor seizures were associated with a 4.79-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.3-17.6, p = 0.02). Significance and discussion: This study identifies the consequences of seizure-related MVAs and hospitalizations people experience prior to epilepsy diagnosis. This highlights the need for further research aimed at improving seizure awareness and improving time to diagnosis.

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