Knowing When It's Safe to Drive After a Concussion

Assessing When You Can Drive After a Concussion

Suffering a concussion can be scary and disrupt your daily life. One of the biggest questions is when you can drive again after a concussion. Since concussions cause issues like dizziness, headache, and trouble concentrating, driving too soon poses risks.

Concussions require time and rest to heal properly. So when is it safe to drive after concussion? What symptoms indicate you should wait longer? This article explores guidelines for driving after concussion and steps to promote healing.

Allowing Time for Concussion Recovery

There's no exact timeframe for when someone can drive after concussion. Recovery periods vary widely between individuals based on factors like:

• Severity of the concussion
• Age of patient
• History of prior concussions

Those with mild concussions often recover fully within days or weeks. More severe concussions can take months before you feel back to normal. Recognizing concussion symptoms and allowing enough recovery time before driving is key.

The Role of Doctors in Clearing You to Drive

Consult with a doctor for advice on when you personally can safety operate a vehicle after concussion. A physician will assess factors like:

• Results of neurological exams
• How severe your symptoms are currently
• How well you can concentrate and multitask

Doctors look for signs your concussion has improved enough that you can safely control a moving vehicle again without endangering yourself or others.

Steps to Promote Healing After a Concussion

While rest is crucial initially, remaining inactive too long can slow recovery. After several days, gentle activity may aid healing. Consider steps like:

• Light aerobic activity like walking
• Low-concentration leisure activities such as reading or listening to music
• Stretches and exercises specifically for concussion recovery

Talk to your doctor before adding in stimulation. Monitor symptoms closely and avoid activities that worsen issues like headache, dizziness, or fatigue.

Symptoms Indicating You Should Not Drive Yet After Concussion

As a general rule, you should avoid driving until concussions symptoms have mostly resolved. Symptoms to watch for before getting behind the wheel again include:

Headaches

Head pain, pressure, and discomfort are common with concussions. Headache causes distraction making driving danger. Wait until headaches have subsided reliably, without needing medication, before driving.

Dizziness or Loss of Balance

Feeling off-balance or woozy can affect control of the brake, gas pedal, and steering wheel. Ensure sensation of spinning or unsteadiness has abated before driving.

Light or Noise Sensitivity

Light and sound can worsen headache and instability when concussed. Wait until you can endure normal levels of light and noise before subjecting yourself to glare and noise from driving.

Nausea or Vomiting

Concussions frequently cause nausea and even vomiting. Ensure your stomach settles and these symptoms disappear fully before considering driving again.

Fatigue or Trouble Concentrating

Exhaustion and difficulty focusing attention are expected initially with concussion. Refrain from driving until you feel mentally alert and no longer tire unusually easy with mental exertion.

Tips for a Smooth Return to Driving Post-Concussion

Once largely recovered from concussion and medically cleared, you can start driving again. But take precautions those first few times behind the wheel again. Tips include:

Start With Short Trips

Don't head out immediately for a 4-hour drive. Initially stick to short trips under 30 minutes close to home. Pay attention for symptoms creeping back.

Avoid Traffic or Bad Weather

Steer clear of heavy traffic or poor weather conditions at first. Minimize stimulation and situations needing fast reaction times until adjusting back to driving.

Ask Someone to Ride Along

Having a trusted person like a spouse or parent ride along can help ease anxiety. They provide a second set of eyes watching traffic and can take over driving if needed.

See How You Feel Afterward

Check yourself for symptom recurrence, headache, fatigue, etc after driving. If issues remain minimal, trips can gradually increase in duration and challenge.

When to Consult a Doctor About Driving After Concussion

Most people recover fully from concussion over time. But occasionally longer-lasting effects called post-concussion syndrome occur. Seek an exam if you experience:

• Symptoms persisting weeks later
• Worsening symptoms with trying daily activities
• Change in personality or behavior
• Trouble understanding instructions

Doctors can check for complications and refer for specialized therapy to aid recovery. They'll reassess progress and provide guidance around anticipating driving readiness.

The Takeaway

Give concussion time to improve before getting behind the wheel again. Rest thoroughly, consult doctors for personalized advice, and tune into lingering symptoms before subjecting yourself to driving risks and stimulation again.

Paying attention to recovery pace and following medical recommendations helps ensure you only resume activities like driving when your brain has had adequate time to heal.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.