Some common changes include:
- Physical effects – weakness or paralysis in arms, legs or both. This is often on one side of the body and cause difficulties with sensation, balance and/or co-ordination
- Vision changes – including double vision, blurring and/or visual field changes in one or both eyes
- Cognitive abilities – such as memory, understanding, concentration, spatial awareness and problem solving and having enough insight into these changes to be able to adapt to them
- Psychological impact – change in mood such as depression, anxiety, confidence, frustration
It is best to discuss any lasting changes with a doctor and/or occupational therapist in the first instance. If any changes remain one month after a stroke these may impact on fitness to drive and it is, therefore, a legal requirement that the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) is informed https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving & https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-tell-dva-about-medical-condition. The DVLA/DVA may request the person attends a fitness to drive assessment at a local driving mobility centre where any potential difficulties with fitness to drive can be assessed by a team of specialist driving instructors and occupational therapists.
Please contact your nearest Mobility Centre for more information and advice or to arrange an assessment.