Driving safely
I am wondering how others decide when they can't drive? I am a home health therapist so if I don't drive I don't work. As a speech therapist most jobs I can get require driving. My nurse practitioner wants more time to help the headaches before I try for disability but she really doesn't want me driving any day I have a headache. When that is 22-26 days a month I couldn't work at all so I often drive when I probably shouldn't. If my pain rating is to high, I feel exhausted and can't wake up, become easily frustrated at small things, am having lots of vision trouble or a combination of a lot if mild symptoms combined I don't drive but may lose a day of work every week because of it.
Hi Cpfarrington,
Thank you for your question and bringing up tough question. For the most part the answer is it's not a great idea to drive during a migraine attack. But the reality of it may be different. I completely understand your situation and feel for you. We have this article on driving and migraine that may be of interest; https://migraine.com/blog/can-i-drive-with-a-migraine/. This two part piece has tips for the time you have to drive; https://migraine.com/blog/driving-tips-for-migraineurs-part-1/ and https://migraine.com/blog/part-2-driving-tips-for-migraineurs/.
Have you by any chance seen a 'true' migraine/headache expert, a doctor specifically trained and board certified in headache medicine? If not I would encourage you to do so. The thing about neurologists is they may be fine doctors, but have a hard time being experts in one area because they treat so many different conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's and others. In addition being certified in neurology is not the same as being certified in headache medicine. Migraine/headache experts are board certified in headache medicine and treat one condition all day, every day - migraine and headache. When you get a chance take a look at this information; http://migraine.com/blog/how-are-migraine-specialists-different/ and https://migraine.com/blog/really-find-headache-specialist/.
Let me know if that helps,
Nancy
My balance and head pain
That is a great question to ask when weighing the driving issue ... if you would want someone else on the road feeling the way you do. Being able to pull back and look at the bigger picture can really help when pain and our own desires and motivations make decision-making tough. You arrived at yours in a very practical and honest way. And:
"...I am confident that I am doing the right thing."
That's the most important part! You need to be comfortable and have peace of mind, and as hard as it is, you don't carry that particular concern anymore. Hugs to you! -Melissa, team member
Thank you for your response. I feel I must emphasize that, although I am confident that I’m doing the right thing, it was, & continues to be, no small matter. I am dependent on others, mostly my husband, for transportation. This is NOT an ideal situation, by any means! It subjugates me, takes away my independence &, especially if/when my husband & I are having difficulties, literally keeps me from being able to go anywhere. It doesn’t happen often, but, when it does, it is highly uncomfortable. I feel like a small child, with no other choice but to take whatever I’m subjected to.
For me, some of my migraines start with complete blindness or very narrowed vision, in this instance I don't drive. When other circumstances occur I have to make a decision as to how dangerous is it for me to drive.
My neurologist advised me NOT to drive due to the propensity of ischemic attacks I get during migraines.
That sounds like it would be really frightening to face on a regular basis. Do you have a care plan for when you have these ischemic attacks? And do you also have hemiplegic migraine, which often presents with stroke-like symptoms? Just curious about your experience. So glad that your neuro is looking out for your safety. Take care. -Melissa, team member
