Driving regulations and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: Perspectives from the United Kingdom

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the United Kingdom provides guidance on fitness to drive for patients with a number of medical illnesses, including epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).The Association of British Neurologists circulates a monthly electronic newsletter to its membership by email. We used this newsletter to survey its recipients on the driving advice they offer patients with PNES, and their awareness of current DVLA guidelines.54 replies were received (19/54 were epilepsy specialists). 11/54 respondents were unaware of any DVLA guidance regarding PNES. Of 43/54 aware of DVLA guidance, only 7% felt that it was sufficient. 40% of respondents did not recommend any driving restriction. 68% of epilepsy specialists recommended driving restriction as compared to 54% of non-epilepsy specialists. 2 respondents reported patients with PNES who had an accident as a consequence of a non-epileptic attack. The risk of motor vehicle accidents in patients with PNES needs further study. Until the establishment of evidence-based guidelines, there is a need to seek consensus and provide sufficient guidance regarding driving for both patients with PNES and their clinicians.