Is it safe to drive with a concussion?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) includes a wide range of conditions, including concussion (a milder form of TBI, but should be taken seriously). If you've sustained a head injury in a sports accident, car accident, or otherwise, you're probably wondering if it's safe to drive with a concussion. Short answer: no.
Some things to watch out for include:
Symptoms of a concussionA: The most important reason you shouldn't drive with a concussion has to do with the symptoms associated with the condition. Drowsiness is one of the most common symptoms, which means you won't be able to pay attention to the road. A concussion can sometimes cause the patient to lose consciousness even hours after the injury. If this happens while you are driving, you will lose control and crash.
Potential problems: Drivers who try to get back behind the wheel too soon after a concussion may find themselves unable to concentrate, which is a serious driving problem. They may also show poor physical coordination, which can lead to a serious accident. Poor judgment is another problem, and chances are good that your reaction time will be much slower than it should be.
When will you be able to drive again?
If you're worried about when you'll be able to drive again after a concussion, the answer is "it depends." There are many different factors that will come into play and each case is different.
Here are a few factors that affect how long it will take before you can drive:
- The severity of the symptoms experienced
- How long did the symptoms last
- Did the symptoms recur after leaving?
- How long have the symptoms been gone?
- Whether symptoms reappear during physical, emotional, or mental stress
- Your doctor's advice about driving (which will be based on the above factors)
In short, only return to driving after a concussion when your doctor tells you it's safe to do so.
