The influence of subclinical epileptiform EEG discharges on driving behaviour

EEG and driving behaviour were monitored in 6 patients with subclinical focal and generalised epileptiform EEG discharges during 420 km of actual motorway driving in a suitably instrumented vehicle. Evidence of impaired driving performance during subclinical discharges was significant in 3 subjects ( P < 0.025 or < 0.05) and was suggestive ( P < 0.1) in 1. The two patients with greatest impairment had active epilepsy, whereas the others had been seizure-free for upwards of 4 years. No other features appeared to be predictive of altered driving behaviour during discharges.