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Updated: May 10, 2026
11:12
Driving Simulation in the Clinic: Testing Visual Exploratory Behavior in Daily Life Activities in Patients with Visual Field Defects
Published on: September 18, 2012
First seizure while driving (FSWD)--an underestimated phenomenon?
Bernd Pohlmann-Eden1, Nina Hynick, Karen Legg
1Division of Neurology, Halifax Infirmary, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. B.Pohlmann-Eden@dal.ca
Summary
First seizure while driving (FSWD) affects 8.2% of new epilepsy patients and often leads to accidents. Early seizure warning signs may reduce accident severity in these driving events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epilepsy Research
- Driving Safety
Background:
- Seizures during driving are common in epilepsy patients, impacting driving privileges.
- No prior data existed on individuals experiencing their first diagnosed seizure while driving (FSWD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of FSWD.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, coping mechanisms, and driving duration in FSWD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 158 patients from the Halifax First Seizure Clinic (2008-2011).
- Evaluation of FSWD prevalence, clinical details, patient responses, and pre-seizure driving time.
Main Results:
- FSWD prevalence was 8.2% (13 patients).
- All FSWD patients had impaired consciousness; most experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
- Seven accidents occurred, one fatal; 12 patients drove for less than one hour prior.
Conclusions:
- FSWD is frequent and potentially underrecognized.
- Accidents are common in FSWD, but less likely if preceded by simple partial seizures.
- The role of driving-related visuo-motor tasks in FSWD pathophysiology requires further investigation.
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