Epilepsy and the law--a view from Thailand.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with epilepsy often suffer social injustice in many societies. OBJECTIVE: This is a review of current laws dealing with epilepsy and the consequences of this complex disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The author looked at reported unjust legal and social acts resulting from epileptic seizures and their results. RESULTS: The author found that accusation of criminal acts, accidents while driving, and job loss are relatively common experiences for epileptics. Such events reflect lack of public understanding. There is inadequate legislation to protect epileptics. Most disturbing areas are ictal behavior misinterpreted as crime, driving while experiencing a seizure, and social discrimination. There is no law dealing with epilepsy in Thailand while considerable progress in this field has been made in Western countries. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy patients are inadequately protected by Thai law. There is an urgent need for education and campaigns for their rights focused on the public, the legal profession, and the health care professionals.