Citation

Magee KR. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1962; 6: 59-68.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1962, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

I will emphasize the problem of episodic unconsciousness, whether resulting from trauma or other etiologies as it affects the individual's ability to operate a motor vehicle in the future, both from his standpoint and that of society The medical aspects of the problem of episodic unconsciousness, regardless of etiology, are relatively clear-cut compared to the complex social problem of promoting justice for the individual and for society in the establishment of drivers license regulations for individuals who suffer from such disorders.

Because the most common cause of episodic impairment of consciousness is epilepsy, I shall discuss epilepsy as the major disease in this paper. However, when I use the term epilepsy, realize that acute episodes of fainting or loss of consciousness from any other cause constitute a similar problem of driving safety.

Ideally each state should pass comprehensive laws concerning driver's licenses in cases of individuals who have experienced episodic loss of consciousness. Medical experts should be called upon by legislators so that those who write the laws are fully aware of the varying problems in varying diseases. Secondly, an appeal board, including physicians, who are experts concerning episodic disorders of consciousness, should be established for questionable cases. Thirdly, laws should be reviewed from time to time in order to keep pace with the advances of medicine in the treatment of the diseases that effect consciousness.