Abnormal EEG's & Not allowed to drive

[wvmom361]

I have had 3 abnormal EEG's now.  The reason for the EEG's was because I was experiencing a de ju vue-like feeling that lasted for a few sec's followed by a migraine on my left side.  They discovered I had a small mengioma in the middle of my brain in 2007 that is believed to be non-cancerous.  I've had numerous MRI's.  It is not growing and there is no bleeding present.  None of them have shown any incidences of seizures.  I have never had a full-blown seizure or blacked out or anything similar--just a headache.
_____

Results of my last one was:

The last one stated that the best background activity identified during the recording was 9 - 9 Hz which was symmetric bilaterally and was reactive to eye opening and stimulation.  Photic stimulation didn't cause significant abnormlities.  Intermittent sharps were seen in bitemporal area more prominently and in a more rhythmic fashion in the right temporal area.  Results were also seen in the left temporal area.  Intermittent drowsiness was presented as background fragmentation.  

The interpretation was that it was anabnormal adult awake and drowsy EEG due to the presence of intermittent rhythmic sharps seen bitemporally.
_____

My neurologist had me to sign a paper last March stating that I wouldn't drive.  She has been very unhelpful and unwilling to explain anything to me.  Has anyone had any experiences with anything like this or been told you couldn't drive?   I'm just wondering because I need my freedom back because my job is in jeopardy at this point.

[Tashtashred]

Hi, I had an EEG about 3 years ago and mine was normal. I had the EEG too for the reason that all my migraines started on the left side of the head. I had near blackout episodes, at least 3-5 of them over the last few years. I had to be taken to the hospital. I am trying to get another one to go with my upcoming MRI. My mom has an angioma in her brain as well and has been continuously diagnosed with Intercranial hypertention or previously known as pseudo tumor cerebri. I continue to get tested because that runs in my family plus my symptoms are pretty bad in itself.

As for the driving piece, I have not been told not to drive by any doctors, however based on my own symptoms and where they have been, I many times have not driven because I felt really bad. In fact I had coworkers drive me around because they too think that I shouldnt drive. For me, I have had these problems for almost 5 years now and it is getting to the point where my job situation is hurting from the amount of days I miss and inability at times to drive around. I agree with the other posts, if they tell you not to drive because you have bad symptoms, then dont. I know if I drove during times where I feel bad that I would likely get into an accident. Its terrible because you lead a functional life, where you are independent, now the transition back to a level of dependency to get to work is hard.  I hope you are able to get better. If you choose to drive anyways, please excercise common sense and accept help if you need it and not operate a vehicle in an altered state.

[Dr Vinod]

Even a 1% risk to your life because of the black outs and possible seizures is worth the advise what your neurologist gave. It is just like wearing seat belts, helmets while driving.Follow her advise and good to here that your lesion is benign and non cancerous. Take care!