Symptoms ruining the joy of driving
Discussion
Pretty similar issues to OP, now 2 years of it.
Full blown panic attack whilst driving that came out of nowhere May 2014, also started having visual/no pain migraines daily. Onto Beta Blockers to manage migraines eventually and stop the physical panic attack symptoms, but didn't help the light headed or vision/couldn't concentrate problems. Came off those 6 months ago.
Have had head and neck MRIs - got a worn disk in neck that could be partially responsible affecting blood vessel one side. Saw a Neuro Consultant as GP had concerns it was MS (balance problems got worse and muscle weakness down one side), lots of tests which has ruled any neuro condition out.
Given up caffeine as heart palpitations since that first attack, drink alot more water now - still get them but less frequent.
Stress/anxiety apparently partially responsible too - I slightly tense up when driving naturally and that's enough to set things off - why after 30 years plus of driving I've no idea. Had CBT to work through driving further than the 3 miles in slow traffic I could just about manage after first attack - faster roads was still light headed feeling. Now can drive 20 miles ok and back at 70mph, but no further (has seriously impacted on my life).
Blocked sinuses make things worse too..so a combo of problems that if they fall together takes me back to panic attack land. I've had one clear month of feeling well with old energy/concentration levels - which was after a course of penicillin for sinusitus and taking a month out of my business and relaxing.
Hope you find the answer OP, as I'm still looking and it's no fun.
Full blown panic attack whilst driving that came out of nowhere May 2014, also started having visual/no pain migraines daily. Onto Beta Blockers to manage migraines eventually and stop the physical panic attack symptoms, but didn't help the light headed or vision/couldn't concentrate problems. Came off those 6 months ago.
Have had head and neck MRIs - got a worn disk in neck that could be partially responsible affecting blood vessel one side. Saw a Neuro Consultant as GP had concerns it was MS (balance problems got worse and muscle weakness down one side), lots of tests which has ruled any neuro condition out.
Given up caffeine as heart palpitations since that first attack, drink alot more water now - still get them but less frequent.
Stress/anxiety apparently partially responsible too - I slightly tense up when driving naturally and that's enough to set things off - why after 30 years plus of driving I've no idea. Had CBT to work through driving further than the 3 miles in slow traffic I could just about manage after first attack - faster roads was still light headed feeling. Now can drive 20 miles ok and back at 70mph, but no further (has seriously impacted on my life).
Blocked sinuses make things worse too..so a combo of problems that if they fall together takes me back to panic attack land. I've had one clear month of feeling well with old energy/concentration levels - which was after a course of penicillin for sinusitus and taking a month out of my business and relaxing.
Hope you find the answer OP, as I'm still looking and it's no fun.
As per Migsy above, have MS or other neuro related issues been ruled out? MS has a multitude of symptoms which can arise on their own or in combination - it's not always the tingling fingers or falls that people expect. Often eyes or balance or just "odd feelings" according to my wife who is a sufferer.
Hopefully it isn't that, but might be worth querying with the doc if you haven't been down that route already?
Good luck.
Hopefully it isn't that, but might be worth querying with the doc if you haven't been down that route already?
Good luck.
Sounds like Vestibular Migraine. I suffer from them and am always dizzy to an extent. My brain doesn't process signals from my ears well and so relies on my eyes for balance. The visual stimulation the brain is exposed to during driving is too much for it. So I get dizzy and lightheaded, however the motion stimulus I am subjected to overrides the dizziness.
As a result, driving provokes dizziness, but I don't feel dizzy until I stop driving. I've never had a headache either.
Oh, and regarding the post above, fibromyalgia and migraine are linked. Some doctors consider fibromyalgia to be a form of migraine. Basically, migraine simply means a global disturbance of sensory processing in the brain. Most migraineurs experience headache, but me, I experience balance problems and dizziness. Not fun, but I still work and am a father and husband. With medication, the symptoms can be dulled down, and I do enjoy a spirited drive now and then. Even thinking about buying a used XE S!
As a result, driving provokes dizziness, but I don't feel dizzy until I stop driving. I've never had a headache either.
Oh, and regarding the post above, fibromyalgia and migraine are linked. Some doctors consider fibromyalgia to be a form of migraine. Basically, migraine simply means a global disturbance of sensory processing in the brain. Most migraineurs experience headache, but me, I experience balance problems and dizziness. Not fun, but I still work and am a father and husband. With medication, the symptoms can be dulled down, and I do enjoy a spirited drive now and then. Even thinking about buying a used XE S!
Edited by skaylesh on Monday 3rd October 20:14
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