Epilepsy and driving: A survey on the Opinions of Korean Neurologists

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 19(5); 2001 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2001;19(5): 485-488.

간질과 운전:대한민국 신경과 의사들의 의견 조사

고성호, 김희태 김주한 김승현 김명호

한양대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

Epilepsy and driving: A survey on the Opinions of Korean Neurologists

Seong-Ho Koh, M.D., Hee-Tae Kim, M.D., Juhan Kim, M.D., Seung-Hyun Kim, M.D., Myung-Ho Kim, M.D.

Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University

Abstract

"Background : In Korea, the law to restrict epilepsy patients from driving automobiles does not exist. However, the need for a regulatory law is controversial due to conflicting interests of the right to drive and the safety of those on the road. We investigated the opinions of Korean neurologists on this matter. Methods : 223 neurologists participated in this survey. They answered a questionnaire comprised of 15 questions. Results : The results of the survey are as fol-lows: the regulation should be legislated (94.6%), the decision on the patient’s driving must be done by the doctor (83.4%), the patient’s driving is reported obligatorily (33.2%), the duration for the restriction should be 24 months (30%), the renewal of the driving license should be done every other year, the escaping rebuke for the reporter is also needed (90.6%), and the draft for the regulation should be composed by the Korean Epilepsy Society (74%). Conclusions : Many Korean neurologists agree that regulation of epilepsy patients who want to drive is needed. The new regulatory law should include general and individual restrictions based upon the conditions made by the Korean Epilepsy Society and must be accepted by the patients and other members of the society. J Korean Neurol Assoc 19(5):485~488, 2001 Key Words : Epilepsy, Automobile Driving"