Somsak TiamkaoKittisak SawanyawisuthSomchai TowanabutPongsak VisudhipunKhon Kaen UniversityMahidol UniversityRoyal Society of Thailand2018-09-132018-09-132009-07-01Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Vol.36, No.4 (2009), 475-479031716712-s2.0-68349104140https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/28036Objective: To study the effect on quality of life (QOL) of a seizure attack while driving in persons with epilepsy (PWE). Methods: From four provincial and eight university hospitals in Thailand, we enrolled epileptic patients who drove a car or motorcycle or used to drive. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate QOL. The mean SF-36 score for all dimensions was calculated and compared with patients who either had or did not have a seizure attack while driving and in those who either had or had not been involved in a traffic accident while driving. Results: We had 245 adult PWE who drove a car or motorcycle or used to drive. Of these, 69 cases (28%) had a seizure attack whilst driving. Over half (36/69; 57%) had had seizure-related accidents, most of which were mild but about 20% needed hospitalization. PWE having a seizure attack while driving had a significantly lower QOL in four of the eight categories compared with patients who had not. PWE who had a seizure-related accident had a significantly lower mean value in the vitality category than those who did not. Conclusions: Seizure attacks while driving diminished QOL in PWE even though they only suffered minor injuries. Driving as a QOL issue should be discussed with patients. A good public transportation system would ease the need to drive.Mahidol UniversityMedicineNeuroscienceArticleSCOPUS10.1017/S0317167100007812