Heads up - this is a bit long. But enjoy. unique personal story/history.
First - cause I KNOW I am going to get some flack from at least a few people. But please understand that I have Many 'decades' of Safe driving history ...and I am a senior - so that is a lot of years. Facts regarding that is that I have been driving since I was 13, yes I could get a Learners permit - in Kansas. In fact ...all the way through at least the 70's - it was Legal for a 10, 11, or 12 year old to drive! They could drive Any piece of farm equipment ..pickup, tractor, combine, etc. "From the exit of one field Down the Road to the entrance of the next field ...short distance within reason, usually a mile or less.
Thus - I have been driving for 60+ years, and have had only 3 fender bender type accidents that have been My fault - and None related to seizures.
Lastly - I DO 'NOT' RECOMMEND DRIVING TO OTHERS IF THEY HAVE MYOCLONIC SEIZURES!! ..."I am very unique in this regard, but these are facts - unusual, but facts." Again - Do Not Drive if you have myoclonic seizures (unless you are a strange one like me - and you probably are not).
Those of you who are old enough, probably 40+, maybe less - may remember Mel Tilus - a Very popular country western singer who has sold Millions of albums, millions. HE had a lifelong, Very serious stuttering problem/medical condition all his life. However - WHEN he sang, immediately when he started to Sing - his stuttering problem stopped entirely. When he stopped his song, it immediately came back. He is not the only singer, armature or professional, whose abilities worked the same way. "Singing" is just one example. It literally is a trigger, signal in the brain ..on/off. Our brains work in a similar way - Triggers, electrical signals as we know.
I Have that ability. Regarding My myoclonic Seizures.
And - my myoclonic seizures historically Are my most common seizures. And I have not had TC's for 25 years - Since I have been taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal) - again unusual that Lamotrigine works for me to that degree - lucky! So TC's are not a problem for me.
I Do Drive. Always have. Been extremely lucky beyond words. I feel for All those who cannot. I continue to worry that I too will suddenly not be able to drive. If I Ever find Myself becoming a risk, I WILL Stop. Period.
My myoclonics are triggered by stress. If I am in a situation of high stress, I know I am likely to have a myoclonic. Thus, I do not drive if I am under 'known' high stress - often you don't realize that you are. Even though I have the ability below, I don't knowingly take on extra risks if I am aware.
I have significant upper body myoclonics at times, was more in the past - I am retired and have less stress now. But I have them. It currently has been about a year since I had the last one While driving.
If I have one while I am driving, my body, head, and 'arm/hand' - THE one NOT holding the steering wheel, will suddenly Move, a fair amount. For the split second(s) that the trigger in the brain is sparking. "The Hand" that is ON the steering wheel does NOT move, not an inch. No matter how much the rest of my body is doing so. It remains steady, no jerking, ...just continuing to maintain FULL control of the vehicle!! ........IF Both Hands are gripping the wheel at the time, then NEITHER hand, arm holding the wheel moves! Steady as she goes. No movement!
Doesn't matter Which hand/arm that is holding the wheel at the time, that one has no movement. Vehicle continues straight as an arrow, In the Lane.
Like the stuttering on/off trigger that Mel Tilus, and some others, experience. Mine is the Same way regarding myoclonics while driving. Absolute 'on/off' capabilities - regarding hands/arms. I have Never heard of anyone else regarding seizures being like this.
I WILL Stop - if and when I know that I become a risk driving. Be honest with yourself - Don't drive if you know in your depth that you could be a Risk to others. And, I include those who are following 'the rules', and are 'Allowed to drive' - Just 'because' they have suddenly become safe - CAUSE they 'hit the magic Six Month and one day' - with no seizures. KNOW Yourself - Be Honest with Yourself. Rules or no 'Rules' - you know you. I KNOW Me - I'll be dammed if you'll find me behind a wheel after the first time of having or almost having a seizure that Puts others at risk. And that includes if my myoclonic on/off trigger stops working. But I am not in the meantime going to stop if I remain Safe - without even a fender bender of my fault in over 30 years. Know yourself.
Sorry this is long. Hope you understand ...but if not, I understand.