How long before.....

[Elaine888]

It's been 3 months now since my craniotomy. I was told after the surgery no driving for 3 months. Had my lastest MRI at the beginning of this month everything is fine. I confirm with consultant again am I now allowed to drive. Apparently I need to speak to DVLA.

So I call them up and Was told to follow doctors advice. So who do I listen to? I'm currently waiting for a medical form from them. Then today my GP says I should really wait 6months based on DVLA guidance notes.

So my question is how soon after did you drive again?

Sorry for being long winded

[cat3]

It sounds like you're ok to drive again Elaine. I know there are many differing opinions on this issue but, after a SAH in Dec2011, the hospital gave me a pre-worded letter to sign notifying the DVLA of the bleed.

I had a recall appointment three months later. It turned out to be the surgeon I saw, and my last question before leaving was 'When can I drive again ?' He told me to go home, phone the DVLA and tell them I'd been cleared by my neurosurgeon to resume driving.

I phoned DVLA and asked if they were in agreement with my doctor's opinion, to which they replied 'It's entirely his decision and so long as we've been notified, you're clear to drive.'

I've heard many different accounts, but that was my personal experience. Good luck, Cat x

[gabimou]

I started driving about nearly 3 months after my craniotomy but things are different in the UK to here in Cyprus!!!

At first my Neuro Dr would only let me drive in the village not on the main roads/highway.

When I did start driving on the highway and other roads outside of the village I live I always had someone with me...

To be honest it did make me anxious when I think back and I did not like night driving so when I eventually started back to work after being off 6 months I did not do night shifts for a while.

I work at the local airport so of course we do shift work but they gave me days for a while to get back into being back at work as well.

Also they drive over here like they are the only drivers on the road and oblivious to others so my 'F' word is used a lot or like I say I get a bad case of tourettes when driving here.

In fact I'm sure if I had put 1 euro in a pot for every time I swear when driving I would be a million heiress now.....lol

Mandy(**,)

[MXman]

Hi Elaine,

I had to wait 10 weeks before my consultant would sign me off to drive again after my Bi, I know its not long but it felt like an eternity. Its up to the consultant and your GP so if there in agreement then you should be ok. Another thing to consider too is your insurance company as you will have to declare you medical history to them but your GP can help you with this. I had a complete discharge notice but it did state what had happened and what the problems were. Hope you get your licence back. XX N

[RogerCMerriman]

I had to wait six months, but for myself the exact cause of my TBI was and is unknown, so had to wait the distance.

Doctor did warn about driving long distances at first.

[Elaine888]

My cause is unknown, it was a spontaneous chronic subdural hematoma. Did u guys surrender your licenses? I still have mine but just never got in the car to drive. I was never told I had to contact anyone till the other day.

I'm just waiting for this medical form thing to come through from DVLA

[lcd8]

The last time I had an operation (to revise a Shunt) the DVLA removed my license for 6 months. That might has changed now as it was over 10 years ago. But this document online does still say 6 months. patient.info/doctor/1-neuro...

[Chopsiegirl]

I had my elective craniotomy on the 19th of November and was given no advice about driving. Initially I didn't, for the first 2 weeks post recovery. Then, I contacted DVLA, spoke to them, completed the consent form giving access to my medical notes. I also spoke to my insurance company and have been driving without any problems ever since. No one has advised me that I couldn't- the DVLA were a bit 'wishy-washy' & were happy that as I had no clinical symptoms or side effects, I could drive.

However, I had an AVM removed- I was lucky; I didn't have a stroke, TIA or bleed.

[philcow1]

my experience of DVLA was sending of discharge notes followed by box ticking forms for my GP, now I just renew my licence as normal. annoying at the time as DVLA had a six month backlog , but was told I could drive if my Doctor said I was fit to do so, l'm glad I didn't have to explain this to the police.

[Elaine888]

Does this normally increase the price of your insurance? ive just recieved my medical form today from DVLA I hope I get an answer back asap. I really want my independence and freedom back!