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Original poster

Vaccine, Seizures, GP and DVLA

67 replies

koalaroobear · 09/10/2021 20:10

Hello, I'm looking for some advice on behalf on my partner, who has had a really rough year. 10 years ago, he was diagnosed with cortical dysplasia, a condition which causes him to seizure when he has a high temperature. This was originally found after he smoked weed (he was 16 at the time).

After his first COVID vaccine, he had an incident whilst on site (he is an engineer). Originally, it was thought that this was a collapse was due to syncope.

After his second vaccine, he had a seizure whilst asleep which I witnessed, which went on for about 8 minutes. Because he was frothing at the mouth and choking, I was terrified and called an ambulance. He went to A and E but was not seen and discharged himself about 7 hours later as he desperately needed to rest. We now believe that the first incident on site was also a seizure, but it wasn't witnessed by anyone.

Today we have had a letter from the GP as he (GP) noticed this on his (partner's) records whilst writing a letter to his employer. They want him to arrange a telephone appointment to review the situation.

My partner is terrified that the GP will want to inform the DVLA and his license will be revoked. His career and independence depend heavily on him being able to drive. I know that his mental health would take a massive hit if he were not able to drive.

Could anyone suggest what might happen going forward and if there is anything we can do to ensure he can keep his license?

OP posts:
Wigeon · 09/10/2021 23:06

I know it’s hugely hugely inconvenient, but he’s obliged by law to tell DVLA himself. The process is then that DVLA seeks medical input from his doctor, but it’s DVLA who make the final decision, not the GP/consultant. So you can’t persuade the doctor to “allow him” to drive. It’s up to DVLA, applying their rules relating to his condition and specifically how it affects him.

And it might not be a permanent driving ban, but a ban until xx months have passed since the last seizure. Or it could be that they are happy for him to keep his licence. But it’s very hard for us to know.

You have my sympathies - I lost my licence for a while over syncope, because it happened (with hardly any notice) when I was sitting or lying down, but only very occasionally. Fortunately I’ve got it back now, after a certain period syncope free. It was hugely frustrating. But not as awful as the thought I could kill myself children/someone else if I fainted at the wheel…

Babyroobs · 10/10/2021 01:33

My friends husband had a one off seizure and could not drive for a number of months, I think 6 or 12 months maybe.

Lostfraggle · 10/10/2021 08:46

The DVLA advice is here:

“ You must give up your licence if any of the following are true:

your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more
your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more
you do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition”

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General health
ShuddaBeenMe · 10/10/2021 09:19

It's better that you called and he will be honest with the DVLA, rather than lie and try to cover it up. What if you did that and he had a temperature spike on the motorway, had a seizure and got knows how many could be killed.

Littleants · 10/10/2021 09:25

I read in the NY Times abput someone who was told not to drive, had a seizure and killed a child waiting at a bus stop. If it is “just” high temps that cause your DP to seize, who is to say he won’t get hot while driving? It is not unheard of to get hot while driving and I am furious you are not taking this more seriously.

Original poster
koalaroobear · 10/10/2021 10:17

@Littleants

I read in the NY Times abput someone who was told not to drive, had a seizure and killed a child waiting at a bus stop. If it is “just” high temps that cause your DP to seize, who is to say he won’t get hot while driving? It is not unheard of to get hot while driving and I am furious you are not taking this more seriously.
How bizarre to be furious at a stranger on an online forum, just absolutely strange.

Having a high temperature isn't just getting hot Hmm it's nothing to do with the air temperature...

OP posts:
Original poster
koalaroobear · 10/10/2021 10:18

[quote darlingsweetpea]@koalaroobear look into Access to work. I lost my driving license and applied for this and had taxis take me to and from work as there was no suitable public transportation. You did the right thing calling for help, I buried my head in the sand twice but eventually I had to be sensible and seek treatment. A year sounds a long time, but I'm 5 years down the line and it's a distant memory now. [/quote]
Thank you, I'll have a look into that, it might be helpful.

OP posts:
Original poster
koalaroobear · 10/10/2021 10:18

@Sweetpeasaremadeofcheese

After my DM had her first Pfizer she had two seizures and a heart attack. Out of nowhere. Since then she has been out of work because she can't drive and is on anti-seizure meds. She hasn't had another seizure before or since so she's just stuck in this limbo. Sorry that's not every helpful for you.
I'm sorry do hear about your mum. It was Pfizer my partner had too.
OP posts:
toomuchlaundry · 10/10/2021 10:28

Does his employer know of his medical condition? What does your DP do if he feels ill and has a temperature? Does he still drive?

Original poster
koalaroobear · 10/10/2021 10:34

@toomuchlaundry

Does his employer know of his medical condition? What does your DP do if he feels ill and has a temperature? Does he still drive?
Yes they're aware, no he doesn't - and has taken the decision not to drive at all.
OP posts:
toomuchlaundry · 10/10/2021 10:38

Does the DVLA/insurance know of his condition, before his reaction to the vaccine?

Original poster
koalaroobear · 10/10/2021 11:29

@toomuchlaundry

Does the DVLA/insurance know of his condition, before his reaction to the vaccine?
Yes
OP posts:
dontgobaconmyheart · 10/10/2021 12:11

Honestly? I think your partner needs to do as has been asked and engage with medical services, so more information can be sought.

Leaving a&e wont achieve anything, nor will not seeing the GP, nor will effectively burying his head in the sand over the DVLA. He should be disclosing the issue himself, he is obligated, and the GP is obligated to do so. Is this why he is avoiding the GP?

I say this all as someone who can't have their license from my twenties, and yes it is inconvenient and affects my life and finances dramatically really but as would losing consciousness on the road, killing or disabling someone else or myself, and facing legal action. I stopped driving voluntarily and then contacted the DVLA myself.

If he engages with the nhs and goes a certain amount of time not having having had seizure and demonstrating they are under control it can be reassessed. But wont be if this is not documented by the GP.

Re: the vaccine I think it's a bit moot really, he could get a fever from contracting any illness throughout the year, a fever potentially spiked by a vaccine is only evidence of the effects of a fever on his seizures, not exceptional or only possible because of a vaccine.

toomuchlaundry · 10/10/2021 12:47

Has he drive at all since his seizure after his first dose of the vaccine?

Liverpoolarefab · 10/10/2021 22:29

I just wanted to sympathise op - I had my first ever seizure 11 days after the COVID vaccine. I don't know if they are related.

I've declared it to the dvla and won't be able to drive for at least 6 months, and I'm now waiting for more tests .

It is HUGLEY frustrating to not be able to drive - especially as I was the only driver in our house. But I can't imagine how I would feel if I'd caused an accident and hurt somebody else. Imagine how your DH would feel if he caused an accident. Please declare the seizure to the dvla and ask for further tests to get to the bottom of it Thanks

Papergirl1968 · 18/10/2021 23:16

I've just been banned from driving by my neurosurgeon after being diagnosed with a hopefully benign brain tumour.
Thanks to the pp who mentioned the access to work scheme as there is no public transport to where I work, and taxis are costing £15 each way so £30 a shift, when I only earn about £50 per shift. Fingers crossed my claim is successful.

Papergirl1968 · 18/10/2021 23:18

PS i had one seizure back in July and the dr said you have to be free of seizures for at least 12 months to get your licence back. Although at the time my GP said I could carry on driving so I did.

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