A stroke or transient ischaemic attack TIA.docx

1、A stroke or transient ischaemic attack TIADriving after strokeAfter having a stroke, you may be eager to get back in the driving seat. This factsheet explains how stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) can affect your ability to drive and the procedures that you should follow if you want to d

2、rive again. It also lists organisations that can provide further advice and information.Key points After a stroke or TIA:You cannot drive for one month.You usually dont need to inform the DVLA (DVA in Northern Ireland) at this stage.After one month you may be able to drive again, long as your doctor

3、 agrees it is safe for you to do so.Why cant I drive immediately after having a stroke? After a stroke your ability to drive safely can be affected in various ways. You may have physical or visual problems, or you may have difficulty concentrating for long periods of time or making quick decisions.

4、The following section explains this in more detail.Physical effects Weakness in your arm, leg or both is common after a stroke. You may also experience other physical effects which include pain, changes in sensation, paralysis and muscle spasms, . For further information, please see factsheet F33, P

5、hysical effects of stroke.Problems with sight A stroke can cause a variety of problems with your sight. These include double or blurred vision, loss of central vision in one or both of your eyes, and visual field loss. For further information, please see our factsheet F37, Visual problems after stro

6、ke. Cognitive effects Driving requires many different cognitive skills. You need to be able to concentrate, navigate, multitask and make quick decisions. After a stroke you may have difficulty concentrating, understanding, solving problems,or making decisions. Your perception of space and distance m

7、ay have changed, or you may have problems with your memory. For further information, see our factsheet F7, Memory, thinking and understanding after stroke.Fatigue After your stroke you may find that you lack energy and feel extremely tired. This may affect your ability to drive. For further informat

8、ion, see our factsheet F18, Fatigue after stroke. Epilepsy A small number of people have a seizure within the first 24 hours of their stroke, and some go on to develop epilepsy.This condition can affect your ability to drive. For further information, see our factsheet F24, Epilepsy and stroke. The d

9、riving rules In England, Scotland and Wales, driving rules are set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). In Northern Ireland this responsibility rests with the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). Their rules regarding medical fitness to drive are the same as the DVLA. The team of stroke prof

10、essionals involved in your care may be involved in assessing the skills you need for driving. They can also advise whether it is safe it is for you to return to driving.After a stroke or TIA you must stop driving immediately, but for many people this is temporary. It is possible to return to driving

11、 as long as its safe to do so and correct procedures are followed. The DVLA produce a factsheet, Car or motorcycle drivers who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). This outlines when you have to inform them that you have had a stroke. This guide also applies in Northern Ireland and

12、 your medical practitioner may refer to these when advising you. It is your responsibility to tell the DVLA or DVA of any medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely. When can I drive after a stroke or a TIA? Cars or motorcycles If you have a licence to drive a car or motorcycle (

13、category B licence) you are not allowed to drive for at least one month after a stroke or TIA. After a month you may start driving again if your doctor is happy with your recovery.If you have a number of TIAs over a short period of time you will need to wait until you have not had any TIAs for three

14、 months before returning to driving. You will also need to notify the DVLA/DVA. Other vehiclesIf you have a licence to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) you must tell the DVLA immediately that you have had a stroke. You are not allowed to drive this type of vehi

15、cle for one year. After this time you may be able to resume driving, but this will depend again on how well you have recovered and also on the results of medical reports and tests.Tractor or moped drivers (with a category F or P licence) need to follow the same rules as car users (see above). If you

16、 drive a taxi your local authority (or in London the Public Carriage Office) will decide on the medical standards you must meet to return to driving. It is currently best practice for the same rules for drivers of PCVs to be applied to taxi drivers. If you drive a police, ambulance or health service

17、 vehicle, the individual police force, NHS trust, primary care trust or local health body may require you to meet additional medical standards.Other rules Epilepsy If you develop epilepsy after your stroke, you can only return to driving once you have been free from seizures for at least one year. Y

18、ou will usually be issued a licence for a fixed period of one, two or three years until you have been free from seizures for five years, at which time you may apply for a long-term licence. The actual time period will depend on the type of seizures you have, when they occurred, whether you were awak

19、e or asleep, their frequency, whether you are taking any medication and whether you have any previous history of seizures. If you have a licence to drive a heavy goods or public carrying vehicle, you must be free from seizures for ten years.Carotid endarterectomy 20 per cent of strokes are caused by

20、 narrowing of the carotid arteries (the two main arteries in the neck supplying blood to the brain). The main treatment for this is a carotid endarterectomy, an operation to remove the blockages and lining of the artery. You will be able to return to driving within two to three weeks providing you c

21、an perform an emergency stop safely and look over your shoulder. Please see our factsheet F40, Carotid artery disease for more information on this procedure.Do I need to notify the DVLA/DVA? During the first month after a stroke or a single TIA you do not have to notify the DVLA/DVA, even though you

22、 are not allowed to drive, .You must notify the DVLA/DVA as soon as possible if any of the following apply: you have experienced multiple TIAs over a short period of time your condition worsens at any time you have experienced any form of epileptic seizure, other than ones within the first 24 hours

23、following your stroke your stroke treatment included brain surgery you have experienced more than one stroke in the past three months your doctor expresses concern about your fitness to drive you hold a current (LGV) or (PCV) licence .One month after your stroke you will need to notify the DVLA/DVA

24、if you have any ongoing effects from your stroke. These might include visual field loss, cognitive or memory problems or weakness and/or paralysis in your arm, leg.If you only experience minor arm or leg weakness and have no other problems, you may not have to notify the DVLA/DVA. You will only need

25、 to inform them if your limb weakness restricts your ability to drive certain vehicles or you require a vehicle with specially adapted controls to suit your needs. If this happens, your driving licence will be coded to reflect the changes to your vehicle., .If you are unsure of any of the above poin

26、ts or whether or not you are safe to drive, you should always check with your doctor.If you are taken to hospital following your stroke or TIA, the medical team should ask if you drive and if you wish to in the future. If you do, they will assess your ability to drive safely and explain the current

27、DVLA/DVA guidelines before you leave hospital. If you did not stay in hospital you should speak to your GP. Your doctor may contact other professionals or the DVLAs medical advisers for advice when making a decision. How do I notify the DVLA/DVA? Step 1 Firstly you will need to complete a medical qu

28、estionnaire and send this to the DVLA Drivers Medical Group or if you live in Northern Ireland, the DVA Medical Section. You can request a form directly from the DVLA/DVA or you can download them from the Government websites: www.direct.gov.uk (for DVLA) www.nidirect.gov.uk/motoring (DVA).Step 2 Whe

29、re possible the DVLA/DVA will make a decision using the information you provide. If the DVLA/DVA require more information they may: contact your GP or consultant for further information,(with your permission) arrange for you to be examined by a medical officer or specialist in your local area ask yo

30、u to take a driving assessment, eye test and/or driving test.Step 3 Once the DVLA/DVA has received all the relevant information their medical adviser will make a decision about whether you can drive again.The DVLA/DVA may make one of the following decisions: You may be able to keep your licence. You

31、 may be issued a licence for a fixed period of one, two or three years, after which time your medical fitness will be reviewed again. You may be issued with a licence that requires you to drive a vehicle with adapted controls. Your licence may be taken away. If this happens, you will be given a reas

32、on for this decision. You should be told if you can reapply for your licence, and you should receive a notice explaining how you can appeal the decision.The DVLA aims to make a decision within 15 working days. If they require further information, they will aim to make the decision within 90 days. If the DVA are making the decision, they will aim to decide within three to four weeks. If furtherinformation is required about your medicalconditions or you have a LGV or PCV licence, they will aim to make a decisi