Factors associated with seizure-related motor vehicle accidents among patients with epilepsy in West China.

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to investigate the relevant demographics and clinical factors contributing to seizure-related motor vehicle accidents in west China.

METHODS

All driving patients who visited our epilepsy clinic in the West China Hospital, between October 2012 and October 2016, were invited to participate. Data on social demographics, clinical features, and motor vehicle accidents were collected during structured interviews. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with seizure-related motor vehicle accidents.

RESULTS

In total, 519 patients reported driving after being diagnosed with epilepsy. Among them, thirty-nine (7.5%) patients experienced at least one seizure-related motor vehicle accidents. Patients who had seizure-free intervals ≥2 years had a 89% reduced chance of crashing compared to patients with shorter intervals. Logistic regression revealed that the interval of seizure freedom (B = -0.384, P = 0.007), number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) taken (B = 0.400, P = 0.041), and type of motor vehicle (B = 0.798, P = 0.021) were independently associated with seizure-related motor vehicle accidents.

CONCLUSION

The interval of seizure freedom, number of AEDs taken, and type of motor vehicle should be considered when counseling patients with epilepsy on driving. A longer seizure-free interval suggested a compromised risk of seizure-related motor vehicle accidents.