Driving

[Pungwe19]

I noticed people have mentioned difficulties driving at night .Is this another symptom of having an acoustic neuroma or just an age thing ?As I've certainly noticed, I have found it more difficult this winter .I am 66 and was diagnosed 2 years ago and on watch and wait.More headaches and fatigue days also .

[Lorosco62]

Hi Pungwe. Still awaiting confirmation after mri. But yes, it's certainly been the case for me. My nightime driving has been getting worse for a couple of years. I keep it to a minimum now and only drive at night if absolutely necessary. Loz x

[Bad1 in reply to Lorosco62]

hi unable to find any data on this however most AN are picked up in middle /old age, when eye sight , particularly night vision ,is starting to deteriorate. Any correlation may be incidental when it comes to driving . there is evidence ,however, that your balance will me more affected when walking in the dark and can be demonstrated by standing on one leg with your eyes closed. I practice regular strengthening exercises of legs and ankles to offset the defeceit caused by AN

[Pungwe19 in reply to Bad1]

Hi, thanks .I guess it is probably an age thing !!! Just thought I would ask. On initial diagnosis, I was advised to practice balance, so do yoga and pilates, which I definitely think has helped .Thanks again

[BMW320 in reply to Pungwe19]

Hi,I disagree about the age thing as my wife had her AN partly removed in 2021 ,prior to that she was unknowingly living with a 31mm tumour for a number of years and had no effects with driving at night,however since the part removal driving has been difficult,especially with bright headlights. It’s got to be down to fatigue and the extra concentration needed whilst driving at night. Neurological Fatigue plays a major role with AN surgery.

[Pungwe19 in reply to Lorosco62]

Hi ,I do wonder if it may be an age thing,but was interested to know as I noticed people on this site mentioned it.Hope the mri results come back soon for you ,good luck .

[Ukulele21]

Hi Pungwe, I gave up driving because I was a danger to others. I do miss driving and the independence.

Maybe one day I will be back behind the wheel again.

Stay safe please.

Good luck xx

[Pungwe19 in reply to Ukulele21]

Yes, driving is another thing we tend to take for granted until we can't !!!! Then it is hard to accept because of the independence we loose.I'm sorry that you had to give up,and thank you for replying, take care of yourself too.

[Ukulele21]

💕🙋

[flappers]

was just having this conversation with my friends last night ( ages between 55 and 65) and we all agreed that this seemed to be happening to all of us! Seems it’s more a gift of age than the AN! Can’t decide if I’m relieved about this or not 😘

[Daisymeadow]

I’m 50 and have been struggling with night driving for the last 2 years. I’m convinced it’s AN related as I have sensory issues with the bright lights. I find the motion of the lights really difficult and travel at night with my eyes closed. This has got significantly worse post surgery.

I think it’s a case of sensory overload as your brain is processing so much already that the lights become more of a problem.

[whitefishbay]

I had cataracts and once they were sorted my night driving is so much better.

[Kristyll]

regarding driving everyone has varied problems. If it’s not a problem for you forget about it because if you ever get it you will be the first to know

[Pungwe19 in reply to Kristyll]

Thanks, Kristyll ,and to all who have responded to my question.Its good to have other peoples thoughts and experiences.

[Faith4102]

I definitely have that problem especially with the headlights on the cars make my head hurt worse!!!

[lupie-Cathy]

hi I didn’t have any problems with night driving until I had the AN it’s not the vision it’s the spatial awareness I have problems with in the dark, not just in the car either, can’t walk outside at night unless there’s some one with me.