Did you know that some medical conditions come with symptoms that may look like alcohol impairment? Since they can influence balance, coordination and speech or eye movement, a medical issue could lead to a DUI arrest.
If you are facing DUI charges and dealing with a medical issue simultaneously, a deep investigation may benefit your situation.
Conditions that resemble intoxication
Several health issues can produce signs that look similar to impairment. Common conditions that may be misunderstood during field sobriety evaluations include:
- Low blood sugar can cause confusion, shakiness and slurred speech
- Auto brewery syndrome can create elevated alcohol readings due to internal fermentation
- Inner ear disorders can affect balance and create unsteady movement
- Neurological conditions can trigger muscle weakness or delayed responses
- Eye disorders can cause involuntary eye movement or difficulty focusing
These and other conditions may impact how a person appears during a stop, making a full review of the circumstances essential.
Why field tests may be unreliable
Field evaluations rely on physical performance and visible cues. Medical conditions can interfere with these tasks even when a person has consumed no alcohol. Weather, footwear and uneven surfaces can also affect results. This means field tests may not provide a true picture of a person’s condition.
Medical evidence can support a defense
Medical records, diagnostic history and prescription information help explain any symptoms that resemble impairment. This information can show that observed behaviors were linked to a health issue rather than alcohol use. When supported by credible documentation, this can challenge law enforcement assumptions made during the stop.
A careful review of medical factors and the guidance of a defense representative can play a meaningful role in defending against DUI allegations in Louisiana.