Reducing the Effects of Transportation Restrictions Among People with Epilepsy

University of Alabama at Birmingham: Center for Health Promotion

Topics:
Epilepsy

Of the 2.3 million people with epilepsy, about 85 percent are of driving age, but those who have seizure disorders are prevented from driving due to driving laws and policies, and depend on public transportation. Researchers are examining how this group’s employment, social, and recreational opportunities are affected by the limited availability of public transportation, and how they manage this circumstance. In addition, surveys of physicians and regulatory agencies are being used to examine policies about how a person’s seizure status is determined and how driving restrictions are imposed. The results, which will reveal the extent, if any, to which public transportation affects the quality of life for people with epilepsy will be presented to state legislators in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee to help them determine whether improvements in the availability of public transportation are necessary.

 

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