When can I drive again after… | enableme - stroke recovery and support | enableme - stroke recovery and support

When can I drive again after having strokes and a seizure?

Barbieupon November 18, 2019

4 Responses

Hi - I've been reading about the licensing guidelines with regard to driving again: I had both types of strokes and a seizure the day after. The rehab GP said I can't drive until I've been seizure free for six months. I am currently taking anti seizure medication. I have not had a seizure before in my life. The guidelines then go on to say that you can't drive when medication is being reduced or for three months after it is stopped. This was a shock because no one has said anything about this. The guidelines go to on to say that : "Driving may continue: if the dose reduction is due only to the presence of current dose-related side effects and is unlikely to affect seizure control". I am unsure what this means. I had the strokes on 23/9 and I have an neurologist appointment in December. I don't know how long I have to take the anti seizure medication and whether it fits in the description above. 75% of my work involves (did involve driving). Thanks, Barb. I have no lingering physical issues after the strokes. Balance, strength, peripheral vision, reflexes are all good. I have slight aphasia, but most people can't tell, I just can't talk as much or as fast as I used to ! It's hard when i haven't seen the neurologists since i was discharged and don't have an appointment until 12/12 and you don't get the full story from the GP.

4 Responses

StrokeLine

20/11/2019 06:03

Hi Barbie,

Thank you for your question and for sharing more information about your situation. We are sorry to hear about your stroke and the subsequent seizure.

Your rehab GP has advised you correctly at this stage, according to the Fitness to Drive guidelines. You will need to be seizure free for six months and with fitness to drive reviewed annually.

Are there plans to reduce seizure medication? I would wait until you go to your appointment to discuss this further with the rehab GP or your specialist (whoever is prescribing the anti-epileptic medication). The section you are unsure about is dependent on the reason for withdrawal or reduction of the anti-epileptic medication.

It states that if the dose “is being reduced only because of current dose-related side-effects and is unlikely to result in a seizure, driving may continue.” This exception would be reliant on the opinion of your medical specialist prescribing the anti-epileptic medication.

The other thing I would suggest is to call your state licensing authority as there are also some differences between state legislation.

If you would like to discuss this further or anything else about your recovery don’t hesitate to call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Best wishes,

Simone, StrokeLine

Barbieup

20/11/2019 23:39

Thanks Simone, I saw the GP yesterday and she has handballed every thing to the neurologist, whom I see next month.

I've been reading about seizures after stroke and research says that If you have an early one (first 24-48 hours) you are far less likely to have another one. In Europe they don't recommend AED medication for stroke patients. Im on a low dose of Keppra, it's never been increased. Will i have any say in discontuing

Barbieup

20/11/2019 23:42

Whoops ...discontinuing the keppra? When I see the Neuro? I think dignity of risk should allow me some say in my care.

Thanks.

StrokeLine

26/11/2019 06:15

Hi Barb,

I don't think it's a bad thing that the GP has handed care over to your specialist. The neurologist will have more experience in managing post stroke seizures.

Absolutely you can and should have a say in your health care and decisions made about ongoing management. Discuss the options, including the risks and benefits of ongoing treatment or discontinuing medication with your neurologist. Listen to their expert opinion, ask questions and ensure you have the accurate information and time you need to help you make a decision. If return to driving is an important goal for you then take this into consideration when you discuss options with the neurologist.

You can read more about getting good healthcare here: https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Getting-good-healthcare

You might find this question builder useful to fill out and take to your appointment with your neurologist: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder

If you want to call us to discuss how to be a good advocate for your own health care call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Best wishes,

Simone, StrokeLine

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When can I drive again after having strokes and a seizure?

Barbieupon November 18, 2019

4 Responses

StrokeLine

20/11/2019 06:03

Hi Barbie,

Thank you for your question and for sharing more information about your situation. We are sorry to hear about your stroke and the subsequent seizure.

Your rehab GP has advised you correctly at this stage, according to the Fitness to Drive guidelines. You will need to be seizure free for six months and with fitness to drive reviewed annually.

The other thing I would suggest is to call your state licensing authority as there are also some differences between state legislation.

If you would like to discuss this further or anything else about your recovery don’t hesitate to call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Best wishes,

Simone, StrokeLine

Barbieup

20/11/2019 23:39

Thanks Simone, I saw the GP yesterday and she has handballed every thing to the neurologist, whom I see next month.

Barbieup

20/11/2019 23:42

Whoops ...discontinuing the keppra? When I see the Neuro? I think dignity of risk should allow me some say in my care.

Thanks.

StrokeLine

26/11/2019 06:15

Hi Barb,

I don't think it's a bad thing that the GP has handed care over to your specialist. The neurologist will have more experience in managing post stroke seizures.

You can read more about getting good healthcare here: https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Getting-good-healthcare

You might find this question builder useful to fill out and take to your appointment with your neurologist: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder

If you want to call us to discuss how to be a good advocate for your own health care call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Best wishes,

Simone, StrokeLine

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When can I drive again after having strokes and a seizure?

When can I drive again after having strokes and a seizure?

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