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Diagnosed with Ménière’s Disease - changes to driving and informing DVLA

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lisa73800
lisa73800

Hi, I am under medical investigation for Ménière’s disease. I have more tests to come. At the moment I e had an Audiogram which shows my hearing is fine, but based on my description of symptoms and some balance tests the ENT suggests Ménière’s and has prescribed 8mg of Betahistine 3x per day. According to articles I’ve read we are supposed to inform the dvla on diagnosis and potentially be given a shorter length licence. What were the outcomes people experienced when reporting their diagnosis, has anyone lost their licence?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • paul44839
    paul44839 lisa73800

    Posted

    Hi Lisa,

               I have just gone through this process, I have MD diagnosed and was told by GP that it was a legal requirement to inform DVLA. I did delay for a bit to see if symptoms settled but as they didn't I filled in the DVLA forms. They contacted my ENT consultant and my licence has been cancelled. I was not driving anyway so it is a little academic.

                I have been told that I can apply for a new licence when I am free of symptoms for 3 months and this has to be supported by my doctor.

                good luck

  • NeddyO
    NeddyO lisa73800

    Posted

    The crucial thing is your own and others safety. I voluntarily stopped driving until the diagnosis was confirmed and medication was fully controlling the symptoms. Once there I did use the online form to tell the DVLA and was allowed to keep my licence. I also informed my insururers who were content if DVLA were satified.

    The key to being safe is to always be alert to the possibility of an attack occuring and carry Buccastem and Stemetil with you so that hopefully you can control things. Of course if you get sudden attacks with little or no warning signs so there is not time to take defensive actions then you should not drive.

    Betahistine is the drug that got me under control but you may need much higher doses than the standard doses listed in the BNF. My first attack was over 5 years ago and on consultant advice at one stage I was taking 64mg tds.

    Good luck.

  • Lizzie1453
    Lizzie1453 lisa73800

    Posted

    Hi Lisa, like Neddy I too voluntarily stopped driving and although I haven't had any attacks for months as the Betahistine has it  under control I gave put off contacting DVLA until I am sure it is safe. I would say you need more than 8mg Betahistine, I was  on that & my ENT upped it to 16mg as he said 8mg was too low.  Good luck anyway. 

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