Can migraines affect your ability to drive safely?

### Can Migraines Affect Your Ability to Drive Safely? Migraines can indeed impact your ability to drive safely. While having migraines doesn't automatically mean you can't drive, certain symptoms can make it dangerous. Here are some key points to consider: - **Nausea and Vomiting**: These symptoms can make it hard to focus on the road. - **Visual Aura**: You might see spots, have tunnel vision, or experience blurry vision, all of which can be hazardous. - **Photophobia and Phonophobia**: Sensitivity to light and sound can worsen migraines, making driving difficult. - **Slower Reflexes**: Migraines can slow your reflexes, making it harder to react quickly. - **Paralysis**: A rare type of migraine can cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body. - **Dizziness/Vertigo**: These symptoms can make you feel like the car is spinning. - **Tinnitus**: Ringing in the ears can distract you from driving. Some migraine medications can also cause side effects like drowsiness or dizziness, which can impair your driving. Always consult your doctor about your medication and its effects on driving. If you feel a migraine coming on while driving, the safest action is to pull over and call someone to pick you up. Migraines can last from 4 hours to 3 days, so it's important to be cautious. Most states allow people with migraines to drive, but you may need to disclose your condition when getting or renewing your driver's license. About 1 in 3 people with migraines can predict an attack, so use these signs to avoid driving when necessary. By understanding your triggers and symptoms, you can take steps to drive safely even if you suffer from migraines.