Do you think it's dangerous to handle guns when you have a medical condition like Epilepsy? My husband has had grand mal and partial seizures. The grand mal are controlled with seizure meds but the partial seizure are not completely controlled. His doctor said driving can be dangerous because he could blank out for a second. The partial seizures cause him to blank out for a second or two. He used to love target shooting before. I guess the only thing that makes me nervous is him cleaning the gun. I don't know what do you guys think? I'm going to ask his doctor. Most docs seem anti-gun though so I don't know if I'll get an unbiased answer.
Epilepsy & Guns
- Thread starter Ponygirl
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Steve H
Member
That's a tough question. If your doctors seem to be anti-gun your know what their response will be. Have you tried to see if your husband is willing to use his guns only while you or someone else is there? This might be a way to get him going and give you peace of mind, then later down the road maybe he can go at it alone.
As long as the gun is unloaded before cleaning, I don't see how that should be a problem. As always, one should triple-check to be sure it is unloaded.
As far as the shooting part of it, does he get any aura before the seizure? If so he should stop shooting. I dno't think the shooting would "trigger" a seizure but could be wrong.
A friend of mine has seizures. I don't think I would want her carrying a gun because during the seizures she regresses in time to when she was at home as a child and oftentimes doesn't recognize people. She is pretty calm, but can become agressive if not redirected calmly.
As far as the shooting part of it, does he get any aura before the seizure? If so he should stop shooting. I dno't think the shooting would "trigger" a seizure but could be wrong.
A friend of mine has seizures. I don't think I would want her carrying a gun because during the seizures she regresses in time to when she was at home as a child and oftentimes doesn't recognize people. She is pretty calm, but can become agressive if not redirected calmly.
lucky_fool
Member
I don't know exactly your husband's condition, but if his petit mal seizures involve just blanking out then I would think that driving would be a lot more dangerous than handling a firearm. Two seconds of inactivity or non-reaction at 60 mph is a lot, but as long as his seizures aren't of the type to cause him to involuntarily pull a trigger he should be okay. I agree with checking with an MD, but you'll propbably get a straighter answer from one you know is pro-gun.
As for cleaning the guns, they should be absolutely safe at that point as long as he follows the same rules that we all should, namely making sure that its unloaded. Then make sure again.
As for cleaning the guns, they should be absolutely safe at that point as long as he follows the same rules that we all should, namely making sure that its unloaded. Then make sure again.
He's forgetful sometimes so I don't think he should clean his gun.
No auras before a seizure. He mainly just spaces out for a second.
Actually he drives better than most people even with his medical condition but since he's diagnosed with this the doctor said the insurance company could blame his medical condition on the seizure disorder. Anyway we would feel responsible if something did happen.
No auras before a seizure. He mainly just spaces out for a second.
Actually he drives better than most people even with his medical condition but since he's diagnosed with this the doctor said the insurance company could blame his medical condition on the seizure disorder. Anyway we would feel responsible if something did happen.
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Perhaps you and he could set up a system with redundant checks to clear a weapon before he cleans it?
He could check the weapon to clear it, and then have you check it to make sure.
I've seen a system very similar to this where a weapon is not considered clear until more than one person has verified that the magazine is out and the chamber empty.
He could check the weapon to clear it, and then have you check it to make sure.
I've seen a system very similar to this where a weapon is not considered clear until more than one person has verified that the magazine is out and the chamber empty.
Derby FALs
Member In Memoriam
Or you could just clean his guns for him. Gee, I wish my GF would do that for me.
Hemicuda
member
My GF is epileptic... she shoots... (she's game to shoot anything I own...)
she also cleans what she shoots...
because of her seisures (petit-mal, for the most part) I "check clear" before we clean the toys...
no problems in the last 15 years or so... and I can't forsee any...
just verify that they are cleared before his cleaning session... and let him enjoy his hobby...
she also cleans what she shoots...
because of her seisures (petit-mal, for the most part) I "check clear" before we clean the toys...
no problems in the last 15 years or so... and I can't forsee any...
just verify that they are cleared before his cleaning session... and let him enjoy his hobby...
Michael Courtney
Member
My general rule is that a person who is medically cleared to drive is also fit to possess and operate a firearm. With training, care, and supervision, a person who may not be qualified to operate a motor vehicle can safely operate a firearm.
Michael Courtney
Michael Courtney
bogie
Member
Why would ANYONE worry about someone with a seizure disorder cleaning a gun?
Quite frankly, it is darn nigh impossible to clean a firearm with it loaded. I don't know where you've gotten your information, but I suspect that the vast, vast majority of "he was accidentally shot while cleaning his gun" are situations where the victim has committed suicide.
I wouldn't worry about it.
Quite frankly, it is darn nigh impossible to clean a firearm with it loaded. I don't know where you've gotten your information, but I suspect that the vast, vast majority of "he was accidentally shot while cleaning his gun" are situations where the victim has committed suicide.
I wouldn't worry about it.
Thats sort of tricky. Normally I would guess that if someone is too unsafe with a car, the so too with firearms.
But just in case the seizures get worse, maybe you or someone else familiar with guns could be with him while he enjoys his hobby.
But just in case the seizures get worse, maybe you or someone else familiar with guns could be with him while he enjoys his hobby.
Thefabulousfink
Member
I can't speak for the medical condition, but as far as doctors go....
I doubt even an anti-gun doctor will outright lie to a patient. If the doctor says he thinks it is bad idea to shoot, ask him for the specific medical reason. Do some research before you go in, and think about what the particular dangers of shooting and handling guns are. With a little common sense and forethought, you should be able to tell if your doctor is trying to discourage you and your husband from shooting, or generally concerned about his medical condition.
Most of the dangers of shooting can be effectively managed: single-shot rifles and pistols, having extra redundent safety steps, and having an extra pair of eyes to watch for mistakes.
I hope your husband's condition wont keep him from enjoying his hobby.
I doubt even an anti-gun doctor will outright lie to a patient. If the doctor says he thinks it is bad idea to shoot, ask him for the specific medical reason. Do some research before you go in, and think about what the particular dangers of shooting and handling guns are. With a little common sense and forethought, you should be able to tell if your doctor is trying to discourage you and your husband from shooting, or generally concerned about his medical condition.
Most of the dangers of shooting can be effectively managed: single-shot rifles and pistols, having extra redundent safety steps, and having an extra pair of eyes to watch for mistakes.
I hope your husband's condition wont keep him from enjoying his hobby.
1 old 0311
member
My father had Parkensons. Concealed hammer revolver ( Taurus 851 ) was perfect for him.
ripcurlksm
Member
Could I suggest using the buddy system in shooting and cleaning when he is with the firearms, you being the critical step in checks and balances?
Respectfully,
Respectfully,
Jim Watson
Member
I think the cleaning part can be choreographed to be safe and effective.
Shooting should be of a style that does not present a hazard when he blacks out. Something like prone or benchrest rifle shooting where firing is on a single shot basis with ample time limits.
I would be leery of something with sustained fire and/or movement; like IPSC or even NRA conventional (bullseye) pistol with rapidfire stages, or Across the Course rifle shooting with rapdifire.
Shooting should be of a style that does not present a hazard when he blacks out. Something like prone or benchrest rifle shooting where firing is on a single shot basis with ample time limits.
I would be leery of something with sustained fire and/or movement; like IPSC or even NRA conventional (bullseye) pistol with rapidfire stages, or Across the Course rifle shooting with rapdifire.
I think
its just a little parnoia. What if while he is cleaning he has an attack and shoots himself while unloading. Right? Chances are slim to none.
I have heart disease, had a small stroke and I have no fear of shooting myself when cleaning a gun or wrecking while driving a car if I have a heart attack or stroke again. If it happens it was probably mean't to happen. Don't take away the mans guns.
My cardioligist recently asked me how I lost 4 pounds since last visit. I looed at him, waited until the nurse left and said, Doc., today I am not carrying my Glock and ammo. He said after reflecting that he thinks its a good thing to know people are carrying for protection.
Many Dr's carry. I know several preachers who carry also.
I have relatives who seize and my worry would be toward the car considering how much more time is spent driving versus shooting and cleaning.
I think he will know when to quit handling weapons. I will.
its just a little parnoia. What if while he is cleaning he has an attack and shoots himself while unloading. Right? Chances are slim to none.
I have heart disease, had a small stroke and I have no fear of shooting myself when cleaning a gun or wrecking while driving a car if I have a heart attack or stroke again. If it happens it was probably mean't to happen. Don't take away the mans guns.
My cardioligist recently asked me how I lost 4 pounds since last visit. I looed at him, waited until the nurse left and said, Doc., today I am not carrying my Glock and ammo. He said after reflecting that he thinks its a good thing to know people are carrying for protection.
Many Dr's carry. I know several preachers who carry also.
I have relatives who seize and my worry would be toward the car considering how much more time is spent driving versus shooting and cleaning.
I think he will know when to quit handling weapons. I will.
Burt Blade
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Since the first step in cleaning a weapon is clearing it, I see no issue here.
My revision of the rules of gun safety:
Guns go boom.
Point boom only at boomcatcher.
No finger on boomstarter until time to go boom.
Make sure boom goes only into boomcatcher.
If you pick up a gun, you are either checking to confirm you loaded it, or clearing it prior to passing it on, putting it away, or cleaning it.
My revision of the rules of gun safety:
Guns go boom.
Point boom only at boomcatcher.
No finger on boomstarter until time to go boom.
Make sure boom goes only into boomcatcher.
If you pick up a gun, you are either checking to confirm you loaded it, or clearing it prior to passing it on, putting it away, or cleaning it.
That's a really tough call
A close friend of mine has the same condition. Many years ago his Dr. had his drivers license revoked. He kept driving because he convinced himself that he only had his grand mals at certain times of the day. Well, one day he had one on his way to work and plowed into another vehicle causing injuries. He had no insurance and was man enough to offer his life savings to the family as compensation. For the next several years he took the bus and eventually changed meds and now has a new License and drives to work and back. He hasn't had a seizure since.
All medical conditions are different. Get informed and make a decision based on your Dr.'s advice.
A close friend of mine has the same condition. Many years ago his Dr. had his drivers license revoked. He kept driving because he convinced himself that he only had his grand mals at certain times of the day. Well, one day he had one on his way to work and plowed into another vehicle causing injuries. He had no insurance and was man enough to offer his life savings to the family as compensation. For the next several years he took the bus and eventually changed meds and now has a new License and drives to work and back. He hasn't had a seizure since.
All medical conditions are different. Get informed and make a decision based on your Dr.'s advice.
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