QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This advice violates the DVLA regulations. Once diagnosed with epilepsy, one is legally required to inform the DVLA and stop driving immediately. Driving normally must cease for 12 months from the date of the most recent seizure.
10025243
d
Advise the teenager to inform the DVLA only if they experience a seizure while driving
QuestionChoice
This is the correct answer. In the UK, it is a legal requirement to inform the DVLA about a diagnosis of epilepsy. This is because epilepsy can impact a person's ability to drive safely and may pose a risk to both the individual and other road users. Upon an epilepsy diagnosis, one must not drive and must notify the DVLA. Driving normally must cease for 12 months from the date of the most recent seizure.
10025240
a
Advise the teenager to immediately inform the DVLA about the epilepsy diagnosis
QuestionChoice
While this is practical advice, it does not address the legal requirement to inform the DVLA about the epilepsy diagnosis. Individuals with epilepsy need to comply with legal regulations regarding driving and take appropriate measures to ensure their road safety.
10025242
c
Advise the teenager to explore alternative transportation options, such as public transit or carpooling
QuestionChoice
Although this teenager has been seizure-free for 2 months, DVLA specifies that a person with epilepsy may qualify for a driving licence only if they have been free from any seizure for 1 year. This needs to include being free of minor seizures, including those that do not involve a loss of consciousness and epilepsy signs such as limb jerking and auras.
10025241
b
Advise the teenager to continue taking sodium valproate and hold off informing the DVLA
QuestionChoice
While the doctor may make changes to the drug dosage according to the frequency and severity of seizures, it does not change the fact that a person with epilepsy must inform the DVLA about a diagnosis of epilepsy and stop driving immediately.
10025244
e
Advise the teenager to gradually stop taking sodium valproate and take no further action
Concept
Chapter
2693
5826
Epilepsy and Driving
Topic
141
Neurology
17446
A 19 year old teenager attends a medication review with his GP, after being diagnosed with epilepsy last year. He takes daily sodium valproate, and on this has remained seizure-free for 2 months.

The patient holds a current driving licence, but only occasionally drives. He reports that he has not informed any authority including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about his diagnosis.

Which of the following actions should be taken next?
a