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Driving Regulation Changes for Individuals with Epilepsy
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| Great News for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians | |
For Immediate Release
The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance/l'Alliance canadienne de l'epilepsie(CEA/ACE) announces that the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators(CCMTA) have made significant changes to the Medical Standards for Drivers which can affect more than 300,000 Canadians living with Epilepsy.
The changes allow persons with epilepsy who have been seizure free for six months to begin driving again. This is a significant change from the one-year that they had to wait. This positive step forward is a quality of life issue for first-time drivers whose self-esteem may be affected by whether or not they drive; seniors who can maintain their independence; bread-winners who can get themselves back and forth to work; people just like you.
The CEA/ACE is a partnership of grassroots epilepsy organizations Canada-wide dedicated to the promotion of independence and quality of life for all people with epilepsy and their families across Canada. Gail Dempsey, Volunteer Chair of the CEA/ACE Driving Regulations Committee says, "The CEA/ACE positioning statement is 'A cure may be found tomorrow but someone needs your help today.' So, for the first time in Canada, we conducted a Canada-wide survey of persons living with epilepsy to ask them what they needed. One of the top responses from every part of Canada was the same. Changes to Driving Regulations. So we began to lobby" says Dempsey.
Epileptologist, Dr. Abayomi Ogunyemi says, "One year is arbitrary and too long. For many patients with seizures, appropriate drug treatment will prevent seizure recurrence. Individual assessment by a physician knowledgeable in epilepsy diagnosis is important, and if we must have a waiting period, six months is preferable."
Contact: Gail Dempsey, Chair CEA/ACE Driving Regulations Committee
Epilepsy Newfoundland & Labrador
Executive Director
722-0502 or Toll Free 1-866-EPILEPSY
Disclaimer
The materials contained on the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador website are to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. The information presented is not intended as medical or legal advice. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, its employees, board members, medical advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for the consequences from the use of the information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in either a direct or indirect form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
Remember, keep all medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use medication only for the condition prescribed.
