Driving & Neurologist

Hey guys, I’m pretty stressed & fed up. As previously posted my neurologist decreased my meds and I’ve had 3 hot flushes which I described as panic attacks last September as he advised I stopped driving. DVLA have no written to him & he called yesterday and said I’ll have to stop driving for 12 months, I’m pretty angry as I said he reduced meds which I didn’t want to he then said we hadn’t reduced them obviously never read his notes & then proceeded to tell me I had full seizures again I said no hot flushes, annoyed me he hadn’t read notes and not I’m so stressed I can’t sleep or concentrate 🥺 surely I don’t have to stop driving 12 months the same as when I had unconscious uncontrollable seizures 3 years ago? Any ideas how UK works?? Sorry for rant just so annoyed he didn’t read my notes & seems to be pushing for 12 months no driving. Thanks all x

[Red3006]

Hi Matt,Personally I stopped driving ten years ago, it killed me, I had to give up my job but I’ve learnt to cope with it, it’s so hard sometimes. I couldn’t & wouldn’t put anyone at risk my daughter & though drivers.

Hot flushes/panic attacks/mini seizures -

I suggest that you & neurologist have a meeting over the phone & explain to him how you feel & maybe he could speak/write to the DVLA!

Good luck

Kerry

[Hidden in reply to Red3006]

Thanks for your reply, totally understand, I had first seizure 2018 was well controlled on meds last seizure 2019, started driving just 6 miles a day but he insisted I reduce meds against my wishes, just 3 hot flushes now, I had meeting with him last week & he has just totally frustrated me. 100% agree about safety issues but as I say I was perfectly fine until he messed with meds, now back up to stable dose again. Just frustrating as I can’t keep paying for taxis to work 🤷🏼‍♂️ X

[Red3006 in reply to Hidden]

I’ve you give up license I got free train, bus & ferry pass but you’d have to check with the local transport office?!It’s frustrating isn’t but good luck😊

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Matt051877

I can understand you must feel frustrated with what has happened and feeling that you can’t get answers.

The hot flush feeling or the feeling of panic can be symptoms of a focal seizures. Sometimes to find out for sure if it's epilepsy or not, your consultant can only alter your epilepsy medicine to see if these symptoms stop. epilepsy.org.uk/info/seizur...

There are driving regulations for someone who has epilepsy and has a seizure whilst changing or withdrawing their epilepsy medicine epilepsy.org.uk/info/drivin...

To help whilst you can’t drive, due to your epilepsy, you are entitled to a free bus pass as well as the Disabled Rail Card. If you can’t use public transport to get to work, Access to work can sometimes be an option. You will need to contact them to see if you would be eligible, as everyone is assessed individually.

epilepsy.org.uk/info/daily-...

epilepsy.org.uk/info/daily-...

epilepsy.org.uk/info/daily-...

I hope this is of help.

Regards

Diane

Helpline Team