Driving prevalence and factors associated with driving among patients with epilepsy

PURPOSE: The goal of the work described here was to determine the prevalence of driving and associated variables among patients followed at a level 4 epilepsy center. METHOD: A survey was mailed out to patients seen at the University of Florida/Jacksonville Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. RESULTS: The study population comprised 308 respondents. Nearly 20% of patients with poorly controlled seizures continued to drive. Although several demographic and clinical variables were associated with driving, on univariate analysis, using multiple logistic regression, being employed, not receiving disability benefits, having less frequent seizures, and taking fewer antiepileptic drugs were the variables independently associated with driving. A subset analysis of patients with poorly controlled seizures indicated that being employed was still an independent factor associated with driving, along with higher annual household income and absence of convulsions and waking seizures. CONCLUSION: A significant number of patients with poorly controlled seizures drive. Being employed is a major reason these patients continue to drive.