Brain tumour

A guide for patients and carers

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Everyday activities following a brain tumour

Can I drive?

Having a brain tumour is likely to affect your right to hold a driving licence. You are legally obliged to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of your condition and you must not drive until you have DVLA approval. Failure to notify the DVLA is a criminal offence.

The DVLA’s Drivers Medical Group imposes special driving regulations for people who have, or have had, a brain tumour. You are required by law to give up your licence and failure to do so will automatically invalidate your car insurance.

The DVLA, after liaising with your GP or specialist, will decide the period of time during which you will not be permitted to drive. This decision will depend on the type of tumour, the symptoms it might be causing (for example, visual problems), the treatment you have received, and whether you have experienced seizures (epilepsy).

People who have experienced seizures will not be permitted to drive until they have gone one year without having a seizure. If you have a malignant tumour you are unlikely to be permitted to drive for a longer period of time (two years) to be sure that the tumour remains inactive.

Regulations are stricter for HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) and PSV (Public Service Vehicle) licences. These licences are more likely to be permanently withdrawn.

If and when you do resume driving, it might be worth contacting several insurance companies to get competitive quotes for your car insurance. Some companies increase the cost of insurance for people who have experienced medical problems.

Can I fly?

Yes, you will usually be allowed to fly approximately three months after your treatment. You might experience headaches during take-off and landing due to pressure changes. You will probably find that is more difficult and more expensive to get travel insurance.

Can I play sport?

Yes, you can resume most sports once you have recovered from your treatment. You should avoid all contact sports like rugby, boxing or martial arts. You can discuss with your specialist any concerns you have about resuming sports.

Can I swim?

Yes, swimming is encouraged once any wounds have healed but you should not swim unaccompanied until the risk of having seizures has passed (after approximately one year). If you do have epilepsy you should swim with a companion and let the lifeguard know about your condition.

Can I have sex?

Yes, you can have sex as soon as you feel ready. Women are advised not to become pregnant for the first six months after their treatment. A brain tumour itself does not affect fertility but some forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can and you should ask your doctor about this if you have concerns. If you are planning to become pregnant you should discuss this with your medical team.

Can I wash or colour my hair?

Yes. You can use any hair products like shampoo, conditioner or hair dyes. You can also have treatments like perms. After a craniotomy you should wait until the wound on your head has healed. Also, you should avoid using hair dyes or having treatments during and immediately after radiotherapy as your scalp is likely to be sensitive. You might find that baby shampoos and soaps are milder and less likely to cause discomfort.

Can I drink alcohol?

There is no reason to avoid drinking alcohol but you might find that it suits you to drink less because you feel the effects more than you used to. There is also a risk of provoking a seizure if you drink too much. Some people find that they have more severe hangovers after a brain tumour. If you are taking any medication, you should always check that it is safe to drink alcohol.

When can I go back to work?

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour does not mean you have to give up work, although you will need to take time off during your treatment and for recovery after surgery.

The timing of your return to work will depend on what sort of work you do. For example, you might need to wait for the renewal of your driving licence. If you experience seizures (epilepsy) you should not work at heights or with dangerous machinery.

You will certainly need to have regained during your rehabilitation enough physical and mental energy before you return to work. Obviously, this will differ for each individual but the general advice is to use your common sense and only return to work when you feel able. You might find it helpful to discuss this with your doctors or nurses. Many people return to work on a part-time basis before returning to full-time work.

Most people find that returning to work is a positive part of their rehabilitation and a big step in getting back to their normal lives. If you have a particularly busy or stressful day at work, the worst that will happen is that you will become tired more easily. Over-stimulating the brain will not bring the tumour back.