Seizure Meds - Gun Ownership Issue?

[harbormaster]

A young co worker of mine is interested in getting his first firearm. He just turned 21; he lost his driving privileges last year due to a really bad seizure; he was hospitalized and they went through six months of finding a medication to control possible seizures and he has since gotten his driver's license restored. I had encouraged him to go down to Turners and get an affordable 12 gauge as a place to start; but then I wondered - is he going to encounter any issues because of his medical problem?

[XDJYo]

He needs to be EXTREMELY sure that he will be o.k. with handling a firearm. Even though the seizures are controlled via medication, they're never 100% controlled. Ask me how I know.

One thing about epilepsy is that flashing lights (like the kind from the muzzle of a gun/shotgun/rifle), can trigger a seizure.

You do NOT want to be around someone having a seizure while they are holding a gun in their hand. I know of epileptics who can't live without a helmet on since they are so prone to seizures in case they fall and hit their head.

He needs to have a VERY frank and honest discussion with a doctor about it. Perhaps you need to speak w/him too.

[harbormaster]

he asked

He actually asked me; and I couldn't tell him so I'm asking here. I've known him 30 months now; he's had two seizures I'm told. The first hospitalized him the second did not though he was taken to an ER by friends he wasn't admitted. I know he had a 6 month hold on his license for driving and was Ubers' best friend during that time. Now he's been driving at least six months and says the medications are for a lifetime, but seem to be preventing any issues. I get the since he's an early prepper; kids going to be well off some day with a good head on his shoulders but I didn't know what to tell him about this topic?

He needs to be EXTREMELY sure that he will be o.k. with handling a firearm. Even though the seizures are controlled via medication, they're never 100% controlled. Ask me how I know.

One thing about epilepsy is that flashing lights (like the kind from the muzzle of a gun/shotgun/rifle), can trigger a seizure.

You do NOT want to be around someone having a seizure while they are holding a gun in their hand. I know of epileptics who can't live without a helmet on since they are so prone to seizures in case they fall and hit their head.

He needs to have a VERY frank and honest discussion with a doctor about it. Perhaps you need to speak w/him too.

[XDJYo]

He actually asked me; and I couldn't tell him so I'm asking here. I've known him 30 months now; he's had two seizures I'm told. The first hospitalized him the second did not though he was taken to an ER by friends he wasn't admitted. I know he had a 6 month hold on his license for driving and was Ubers' best friend during that time. Now he's been driving at least six months and says the medications are for a lifetime, but seem to be preventing any issues. I get the since he's an early prepper; kids going to be well off some day with a good head on his shoulders but I didn't know what to tell him about this topic?

Well, to my knowledge, the meds themselves shouldn't pose a problem. I don't remember any questions regarding prescription meds on the 4473 (aside from the MJ ones).

I would say that he may want to wait a little bit and make sure he gets his seizures under control. In my case, the seizures started in my early teens (I'm in my 50's now). Once I got to the doctors for it, the meds have controlled it pretty much 100%. Except. Except for that one time it didn't. This was when a new neurologist was screwing around with my meds and tried to prescribe something different for me. The change screwed me up. Wound up in the hospital with a temporary hold on my drivers license. Needless to say, never went back to that neurologist and went back to my old one.

This was way before I got into guns, so I don't know how that would affect it. I just know that if I started having seizures, I would put them away until they got resolved.

So, he needs to talk to his parents and his doctors/neurologist.

I know we have some smart brothers on here, wonder if we have any neurologist Calgunners?

PS-I still keep that bottle of the wrong meds as a reminder to never screw with it again!!

[Kyle1886]

If he can drive, gun ownership shouldn't be a concern.

My wife had a huge brain tumor resected in 1992 that also caused seizures. After the resection and proper meds she satisfied the DMV and regained her license.

If he can drive, then his neurologist has given the okay. Firearms should be fine too.

Respectfully
Kyle

[SmokieBear]

That's an interesting question and will keep watch of other members responses too.

Regarding firearms handling here what I did for a friend who really wanted to try firearms who has epileptic seizures. I load only 1 round each time he fires and my reason is to see what any affect it will have on him. Then I fired a full magazine with him next to me if the flashs would affect him. So far so good to this day but if any of you are gonna do this make sure it's in a controlled environment with others available.

[oak18]

There won’t be any problem. I went through the same thing and successfully purchased a firearm while going through the 6 months of suspended license.

[harbormaster]

So legally he is ok to go, but its a good idea to trek lightly at the range training him. Good to know.

[usr1987]

He actually asked me; and I couldn't tell him so I'm asking here. I've known him 30 months now; he's had two seizures I'm told. The first hospitalized him the second did not though he was taken to an ER by friends he wasn't admitted. I know he had a 6 month hold on his license for driving and was Ubers' best friend during that time. Now he's been driving at least six months and says the medications are for a lifetime, but seem to be preventing any issues. I get the since he's an early prepper; kids going to be well off some day with a good head on his shoulders but I didn't know what to tell him about this topic?

I would recommend non semi autos just so those for some reason get modified into fully auto

[tabascoz28]

And if being blind will not preclude you from gun ownership, I doubt a little seizure would either...

[OCEquestrian]

A young co worker of mine is interested in getting his first firearm. He just turned 21; he lost his driving privileges last year due to a really bad seizure; he was hospitalized and they went through six months of finding a medication to control possible seizures and he has since gotten his driver's license restored. I had encouraged him to go down to Turners and get an affordable 12 gauge as a place to start; but then I wondered - is he going to encounter any issues because of his medical problem?

What are the shooting facilities near his home? I would recommend he consider a handgun over a shotgun. Maybe a revolver given the uncertain health risk. He will probably enjoy shooting a handgun more than a shotgun and there are probably more places he can shoot a handgun as well.

If he has his driving privileges he should be able to own a firearm. I suspect the only way to find out is to 1) Call CA DOJ or 2) go out and attempt to buy one.

[TheGood]

Having a valid driver's license is not a pre-requisite for firearm purchase. But having a Real ID is. You can get a California ID card that is also Real ID.

[smittty]

That's definitely in the tread lightly department!

I personally wouldn't have sent him to the gun store. There's no way for any of us to understand his condition but by suggesting he get gun we take some responsibility.

It's for him and his doc to discuss!

[Jimi Jah]

Grand mal since '79. Meds control it. I drive and shoot. Not an issue unless Gavin makes it one.

[Kyle1886]

Generally no more concern than folks with pacemakers, or vertigo, or a multitude of other health issues that are controlled with the proper medication.

Respectfully
Kyle