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Menieres and driving

Posted , 4 users are following.

stephen60855
stephen60855

I'm 65, had my first spectaular attack 30 years ago, followed  by 2 or 3, and then nothing except progressive deafness in one ear and tinnitus. In the last few weeks I've suddenly started getting spin attacks.  I'm a bit apprehensive about going to the doctor in case he tells me to stop driving.  Any thoughts/comments?

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • peter16657
    peter16657 stephen60855

    Posted

    Hi Stephen, as i understand it, its a subjective question as there is no actual recognised cure by the medical profession there can not be a definitive ruling, my GP has never mentioned driving, I think its encumbant on you to notify Swansea, but you can be sure if you do they will play it safe and tell you to stop, however you should or must go the doctors as at your age ( no offence im older) it may be unrelated especially if youve been clear for 30 years, I drive but keep enough money on me to abandon the car and call a cab worst case, good luck anyhow
    • stephen60855
      stephen60855 peter16657

      Posted

      Hi Peter,

      Many thanks for this - I'm crossing my fingers for Christmas but plan on seeing the doc after my next attack.  I agree with you about the definitive ruling - after all how dizzy is dizzy?  I think common sense should prevail, and if I have to stop driving so be it, but not yet!

  • misskent
    misskent stephen60855

    Posted

    I had to inform DVLA and complete a form to say that my symptoms are controlled by medication. So I still drive when able to but only short distances now..its just being sensible about it.
    • stephen60855
      stephen60855 misskent

      Posted

      Many thanks for your helpful reply, and I totally agree with your last point.
  • Ear_Today
    Ear_Today stephen60855

    Posted

    Hi, if a person gets vertigo or dizziness, they are obliged to advise the DVLA.  If you look at the DVLA website, it'll tell you what to do. 

    The form asks for your doctor's name and address, so it's a good idea to speak to your doctor first, in case the DVLA writes to him/her.

    I was diagnosed with Menieres in September, after 5 spins in the spring and summer.

    I think the key thing is, whether you get warning of your spins.

    I start to feel really ill just before a spin, and it would give me plenty of time to pull over, if I was driving.

    I'm not even on any medication - so far I've been able to control things by a low salt diet and eliminating stress from my lifestyle.

    I told all this to the DVLA in the form, and they confirmed that I'm ok to drive.

    Hope this helps

    • stephen60855
      stephen60855 Ear_Today

      Posted

      Many thanks for this - most helpful.  I take your point about low salt - how about alcohol?  I've read that alcohol can trigger an attack, but I do like a glass or two of wine....
    • misskent
      misskent stephen60855

      Posted

      Mmmm...alcohol? I used to be fine with some alcohol but since this last attack I am not so good; it can make symptoms worse. I do have the odd glass of wine when I am feeling OK though...and its xmas so hopefully I will be able to have one!!!!

      I have cut salt & caffeine from my diet as much as pos, and done eat much bread either.

      Good Luck..and Merry Xmas and hope 2015 is a better year for all our sufferers...

      Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the link as it was to a site unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

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  • peter16657
    peter16657 stephen60855

    Posted

    Hi Stephen, alcohol is up there to be avoided, however and this is a personal opinion, I still have no idea what triggers an attack, although the salt thing in Turkey was the first hint, during the 10 years Ive had Menieres there have been times in my life when Ive had too much alcohol regulary ( barmy army tour of oz, drinking every night) but no immediate attacks, I tend now to watch my consumption, but like you, I like a drink, so until alcohol is recognised as directly influential to Menieres I will continue to have a couple of glasses at Weekends, although as we all know alcohol is not good for you per-sey but hells teeth lets not deny ourselves one of lifes little pleasures!
  • Stratford
    Stratford stephen60855

    Posted

    Hi Stephen,

    look it could just be stress, low blood pressure, meds you are on, lack of hydration ...but whatever it is, I think driving is the least of your issues.

    especially since driving , as far as I know doesn't cause attacks and you know, before you get tin the car of you are havong a bad day...if you are spinning or the atracks of spin come on while driving...for example...it could be some issue with your eyes, glasses,vision..perhaps, i am no doctor...but if the spin episodes are causing you anxiety..then it is a vicious circle, not knowing and wonderingwill give you more stress...and stress is a known trigger i would not crystal ball it and get it checked out...if you " know" you are dizzy and drive the car..your insurance may not cover you..or you could cause an accident..many many people are treated for balance conditions and still drive, as long as you have medication...blood pressure etc. If you took a population of medsthe road would resemble bumper cars at a fairground. You wont be alone and ...it could just be something like lacking a mineral or stress...all the best with your decisions. Good luck, sincerely.

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