Hepactic Encepahalopathy and DVLA

[Mands271]

Hi,

Following surgery in Oct 2022 (TIPPS procedure) I now have to take Rifaximin (550mg twice daily) and Lactulose to prevent confusion etc caused by encepahalopathy.

Since taking it, I do not suffer with confusion, tiredness or anything that would affect my ability to drive. I have never had a fit either that can sometimes be associated.

Is anyone else in the same situation and have you informed DVLA ? My GP has performed a test that they also give to dementia patients and i scored 30/30.

The guidelines on DVLA are confusing because they seem to be associated with Encepahalopathy and seizures.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Claire ☺️

[AyrshireK]

What has your consultant said about driving?

It would be on medical advice that you need to notify DVLA - they may decide to assess you themselves to judge your driving.

If you've had medical guidance that you must not drive then you must not - your insurance would be invalidated if you had a bump or worse still you could do you or someone else some harm.

Has you liver consultant carried out the specific tests for HE? Covert HE which is relatively mild can still affect your reaction times, perception, concentration etc.

I don't know why the DVLA website doesn't actually include Hepatic Encephalopathy on it's list of notifiable conditions (it used to be there under alcohol related which obviously it isn't always alcohol related at all).

The problem with HE is is you can have it without knowing you've got it, we've had patients on here who drove the wrong way up a motorway in their PJ's and didn't know they were having a HE attack.

My hubby has never been told to give up his licence BUT that's probably because right from the outset he has told doctors he no longer drives, no longer has access to a vehicle or insurance and we've only kept his driving licence as it's his ony form of photographic ID.

The following is a published paper on the effects of HE and driving:-

gastrojournal.org/article/S...

Katie

[Mands271 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi Katie

Both the GP and my Consultant said that in their opinions I am perfectly capable of driving and dont appear confused at all. GP didn't know at all that DVLA should be informed and consultant said he thought HE meant you had to tell DVLA. I haven't driven since he's said but feel reluctant to tell DVLA if there isn't a legal requirement for me to do so.

I can honestly say I wouldnt drive if I didnt feel capable, but unsure whether this should be my call or whether I should tell them. It seems they'd just assume the worst of HE affecting me and just stop me driving without any form of assesment.

Claire x

[RAGNOR]

My hubby suffers from HE and he has chosen not to drive . He still has his license and has never contacted dvla. .

[Smokey001]

I have AFib and it should be reported to the DVLA, but acquired a letter of exemption from the GPs, so technically no longer a reportable condition. Ask your GP for the same, then you will feel more comfortable, otherwise it will always be a background worry.

Irrespective tell your insurance Co.

They will at worst put a marker on your file.

Don't take a chance, you could end up in hot water or worse a life-long self recrimination for causing a another's harm

So cover yourself legally, but ultimately it is still your own moral choice to assess your own competence.