**********
**********
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s does not automatically mean you cannot drive, and many people continue to do so for years with the condition. In the early stages of the disease, most people have mild symptoms that shouldn’t inhibit them from routine movements needed to drive a vehicle. But it’s important to work with your health professionals as your condition progresses, to ensure you continue to be able to drive safely. In the USA, an individual’s ability to drive safely is assessed on a case by case basis.
For those who feel able to drive safely, there are some things to be mindful of to help you manage your symptoms when behind the wheel. Here is our guide to navigating the roads safely as someone with Parkinson’s disease.
Ensure you are well rested
Living with a chronic illness can cause unpleasant symptoms, and sadly Parkinson’s can make it particularly difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Involuntary muscle movements, cramps, pain and discomfort can all interrupt your sleep. Insomnia can also be a symptom of the condition in itself, or it can develop as a result of living with a long-term illness and being generally uncomfortable.
For some people, medication prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s can also cause daytime drowsiness and sudden sleepiness – so be sure to avoid driving until you know how you react to your medication.
Driving when overtired is extremely dangerous, not only for yourself but for all other road users. Parkinson’s itself can make you feel tired and drowsy, and if you are sleep deprived these symptoms are naturally going to be aggravated, so it’s important when you suffer from a movement disorder not to drive if you aren’t feeling well rested.
Keep up to date with your eye health
As a condition that affects the entire body, people with Parkinson’s often have trouble with their eyesight. Blurred and double vision are both common complaints for people with the condition, and can also be a side effect of medication. These can happen as a result of involuntary movements of the eyes.
Some people may also experience eyelid apraxia, which can be both very unsettling and dangerous – especially for those who drive. This is when you’re unable to open your eyes. Rubbing your eyes may help temporarily, but you should consult your doctor if you begin to experience involuntary closure of your eyelids.
It’s always important to visit the optometrist if you experience any changes to your vision, regardless of how small or infrequently it occurs. Thousands of road casualties are caused by poor eyesight every year, so be sure to go for a check-up at least once a year if you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Stay on top of other symptoms
People with Parkinson’s are more likely to develop other health conditions such as heart disease and skin cancer. If you notice any new symptoms, don’t automatically assume they are a result of your existing condition. Be sure to get yourself checked over by a doctor or other health professional to rule out any additional health problems and treat them accordingly.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet may help to reduce your discomfort if you suffer from gastronomical conditions. Irritable bowel disorder, bloating and nausea are commonly experienced alongside those who have Parkinson’s – but it’s still worth investigating to see if there is another cause for your symptoms.
Check in regularly with your healthcare team
The best way to stay safe and continue to enjoy the freedom of driving when you live with Parkinson’s is to check in regularly with your healthcare provider. Trying different medications to find which suits you best and being honest and open about your symptoms is the most responsible and effective way to ensure you, and others, stay safe on the roads.
– by guest author Elizabeth Long
