Is It Safe To Drive Or Swim If You Have Epilepsy? See Expert Opinion On This

International Epilepsy Day 2022: Observance of the day gives people an opportunity to highlight the problems faced by persons with epilepsy, their families and carers.

Persons with epilepsy should not swim unattended | Photo: Getty

New Delhi: The International Epilepsy Day is observed on the second Monday of February every year to help raise awareness about the disease that has nearly 50 million people under its grip worldwide. This year, the International Epilepsy Day is being observed on February 14.

Observance of the day is a joint initiative by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Again]st Epilepsy (ILAE), and it gives people an opportunity to highlight the problems faced by patients, their families and carers.

The idea is to bring attention to the need for better awareness and right understanding of the disease.

A lot of people around the world believe epilepsy patients are not supposed to drive or swim. So, what do experts say about this?   

ABP Live asked this question to Dr. (Lt Gen) CS Narayanan, VSM, HoD and Consultant, Neurology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, and here is what he said:

“Persons with Epilepsy should be encouraged to lead a normal life with certain precautions. They should avoid situations which would harm them if they have recurrence of seizures. This may include going close to moving machinery, open fires and climbing heights.”

About swimming, he said it’s not that epilepsy patients cannot venture into waters, but they should do it under observation. 

“Swimming should always be done when someone who is aware of their medical condition is around to help them if the need arises,” Dr Narayanan said.

About driving, he said it’s “not advisable” if seizures are not “well-controlled”. 

“Driving is not advisable till the seizures are well-controlled with medication. The legal requirements vary from country to country and must be complied with,” said Dr Narayanan.