Tips & Hints

Medical Exemption Certificate

Do you have chronic hormonal problems (whether or not due to a brain tumour)? If you have diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus or hypothyroidism, all of which require lifelong medical therapy, you can apply for a medical exemption certificate. This means you will not have to pay for any more prescriptions. Check with your GP!

Driving with a brain tumour

Meningiomas

There is a lot of confusion about this. If you have a meningioma but no other problems (ie recent surgery, no fits, no visual problems), then you should be OK to drive. After surgery for meningioma affecting the brain, you will be disallowed from driving for up to one year. This is a rather ancient regulation, based upon the possibility of having fits after brain surgery.Newer techniques make this very unlikely, but the DVLA is still sticking to it.

With certain types of surgery, you may have a better chance to appeal for a shorter driving ban; check with your surgeon. However, if you have had fits or any seizure activity very stringent regulations apply and you probably will not be allowed to drive at all. Mind - when you have had neurosurgery for meningiomas not involving the brain (e.g., spinal cord), you weill not be affected by this regulation.