What you didnt know about road accident and epilepsy?

A known epileptic patient was brought to the ER ( emergency room) by the wife on account of occurrence of a seizure the night before. History taken from the patient showed that he wasn't compliant with his medications (anti-convulsant drugs)
I was shocked to hear the answer to my next question. Do you drive?  Yes I do.
 We hear of stories of how cars rammed into a crowd of people, veered off the road , knocked some body down, plunged into the river, or ran into a stationary vehicle.
Have you ever wondered what could have been the cause?
About 1.25million people die each year as a result of road traffic accidents.
Half of those dying on the world's roads are vulnerable road users; pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Without action, road traffic accidents are predicted to rise to become the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.
 Factors that could be responsible for road traffic accidents are as follows;

1. Epilepsy and other medical conditions that could make you have seizures with or without loss of  consciousness.Just like I mentioned about my patient who drives and at the same time not compliant with his medications. Loss of consciousness is one of the symptoms you experience in some types of epilepsies and can lead to an accident if it happens while you are behind the wheel. 
2. Visual impairments leading to blurred vision.
3. Suicide attempts.
4. Mechanical faults from the vehicle.
5. Side effects of some drugs could actually cause dizziness.
6. Alcohol intoxication and other recreational drug use that could cause one to loose consciousness.
7. Weather conditions that could reduce visibility.
8. Speeding by drivers.
9. Distracted driving. 
10. Not obeying traffic rules.
11. Roads with potholes. etc

Road traffic accidents cause a considerable  economic losses to the victims, families and to the nation as well. These losses could arise from treatment and rehabilitation of the victims, reduced productivity from those disabled from the injury and for those who are also going to stay away from work to take care of the injured.

Health professionals should educate patients about the what the disease is all about, treatment, reasons for follow up etc  .

Patient education is very important in management of any health condition . Patient might not be aware of the dangers he/she faces if he/she is not compliant with his drugs. 

Epileptic patients must be on their drugs and must have been found to be seizure free for a certain number of years before he/she can be licensed to drive . This must be certified by a medical practitioner.

This also applies to other medical conditions, never abandon your drugs. Always talk with your doctor whenever you need help.

Remember that prevention is better than cure . Stay safe guys.

Thanks for visiting.