[Legal aspects of epilepsy and coexisting psychiatric disorders]

Major advances in understanding the neurobiology of epilepsy have led to more precise diagnosis, early rational treatment with new drugs, useful new neurosurgical techniques, etc. This has led to significant control of seizures, a marked reduction in concurrent psychopathology, improved quality of life of the epileptic patient, the almost complete abolition of old-style institutions for these patients, etc. However in spite of greater scientific knowledge about epilepsy, this has not led to an equally great advance socially. Old-fashioned restrictions and limitations based on mistaken ideas as to the nature of epilepsy still remain. Epilepsy is still considered in the same light as the psychopathological disorders seen in some epileptics, as a result of different variables which are not necessarily related to seizures. Current legal rulings on epilepsy, with or without co-existing mental disorder, are reviewed in relation to their effect on driving motor vehicles, carrying out military service, the condition of minusvalia, the possibility of legal incompetence, and the nullity of marriage and of priesthood. It is concluded that although the limitations maintained by some statutory requirements are reasonable, it would be fairest to abolish restrictions which, in view of present scientific knowledge, are out of date and prevent the return to normal and full social integration which should prevail for people with epilepsy.