自動車運転と福祉制度

Driver's License and Welfare Systems for Epilepsy Patients

Point

・道路交通法第66条は，正常な運転ができないおそれがある状態の運転を禁止しているが，てんかんにおいては運転免許資格の法的基準が設けられており，その基準に則って判断すれば法的には問題ない．

・てんかんがあっても，覚醒中に意識や運動が障害される発作が2年以上ない場合は運転免許の拒否は行われない．

・てんかん患者に対する福祉制度として，医療費関連，手帳関連，年金補助金関連に大別される．患者の疾病および障害を把握した上で適切な制度を提示することが必要である．

　Along with treatment, social life, including driving and welfare systems, are of great concern to patients with epilepsy. During treatment of epilepsy, guidance on these issues and actual treatment are two sides of the same coin, and both epileptologists and general neurosurgeons are required to have thorough knowledge of these issues.

　With regard to driving, Article 66 of the Road Traffic Law prohibits driving by persons who are likely to be incapable of normal driving. However, in epilepsy, legal criteria for driver's license eligibility has been established, and there are no legal problems if decisions are made in accordance with these criteria. Even if a patient has epilepsy, a driver's license will not be denied if the patient has not had a seizure that impairs consciousness or movement while awake for at least two years.

　Regarding social welfare, there are programs for patients with epilepsy related to medical expenses, disability certificates, and pension subsidies. It is necessary to present appropriate systems based on an understanding of a patient's disease and disability.

　These issues are described using actual examples.