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First Seizure — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateNeurologyFirst SeizureRACP Adult Medicine

A 25-year-old woman presents with a first unprovoked generalised tonic-clonic seizure. CT and MRI brain are normal. EEG shows generalised spike-and-wave discharges. She is a university student who drives to campus. What is the correct advice regarding driving in Australia?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — She cannot drive for 6 months

Austroads guidelines state that after a first unprovoked seizure, a private vehicle licence holder must not drive for at least 6 months (seizure-free period). If the patient commences antiepileptic medication and has a normal EEG, this may be considered. The abnormal EEG in this case increases recurrence risk. Commercial vehicle drivers require a 5-year seizure-free period off medication.

Reference: Austroads – 2022 – Assessing Fitness to Drive