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
Hi. Just wanted to check in with you -- are you trying to say that you use balance as an indicator of whether or not you should drive, or do you have a question about balance issues? We're here to give you information if you need it! -Melissa, team member 
Hi. I saw your post & now that you updated it so recently, will go ahead & respond.
The first thing that happened re my driving was that, I had to leave so early in the morning to go to work that it was still dark & the road to work was 2 lanes. So, the oncoming traffic’s headlights were starting migraines. My husband had to bring me to work & pick me up, because I was having to leave early, due to the migraines.
But then, as time passed, I realized that, even before I had pain, I was getting symptoms that I was going to get a migraine, I suppose that they might be called Aura, I don’t know. No neurologist ever said as much. But, what happens is, I start acting strangely, & I don’t even realize that it’s because I’m getting a migraine. So, I have a very short fuse, no patience. And, because of that, I do stupid things, like go, when I should wait. Things I would NEVER do normally. I’m just not thinking clearly. I THINK that my mind is already getting cluttered by the migraine, but, the pain hasn’t presented itself yet. I know, it sounds a bit crazy, but, it’s not. I also stutter, which I’ve never, ever done, before I had migraines. And, I only do that when I’m either getting one or have one. My balance is off, I’m very stumbly. It looks like I’m drunk. I’m not. It’s part of the “aura” or the migraine. Anyway, back to your original question. I had to ask myself, do I feel safe on the road? Would I like to be on the road, diving, knowing that someone who had the symptoms that I do, was also on the road? The answer to both questions was a resounding NO!!
So, that was it for me. Believe me, I HATE it. I HATE being dependent on others for rides. I’ve had my drivers license since I was 16, & I’m going to be 72 in May. It’s AWFUL, & is a whole subject of discussion in itself. But, I am confident that I am doing the RIGHT THING. Unless or until I can find something that will reliably relieve me of the migraines, which, despite trying all the injectable CGRP meds , acupuncture, Botox & just about everything else out there (other than Tryptans, which I can’t take because I’m on anticoagulants & have had multiple blood clots,) I continue to have some degree of migraine 25 days a month. Sometimes I have VERY bad ones which put me in bed 24 hours that last 3-5 days at a stretch. So, if I’m not having a run like that, I count myself fortunate & am grateful.
Anyway, I hope I may have helped you.
Oh, btw, I did have to quit my job , & retire a couple of years early because I was out of sick leave & other leave & because it was a Union environment, the administration was going to have to start disciplinary proceedings. After 40 years of perfect record as an RN, there was NO WAY I was going to let that happen. I applied for & received Disability Compensation until it was time for my retirement. I had no problem getting that, I think the reason it was no issue was that everything was very well documented, as far as the migraines were concerned. For example, my employer tried to make my workplace more conducive for me, by putting a kind of a tent over my computer screen. It didn’t help, but, efforts were made, on both sides. I wish you all the best.
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
