Vascular malformations of the brain

A guide for patients and carers

How will my life be affected?

Having a vascular malformation does not necessarily restrict your lifestyle. What you can do depends on how you are affected, whether you have any treatment, and most importantly what you feel able to do. If you have any concerns, you should discuss them with your doctor.
You may need to be careful about sport and exercise if you have epileptic seizures, but otherwise you should do what you feel capable of. Sex presents no risk. If you drink alcohol, it is best to drink in moderation only, and it is always best to avoid recreational drugs. You should let your insurance company know that you have a vascular malformation if you travel, but there are no particular restrictions on flying.

Driving
If you hold a driving licence, in the first instance you should ask your doctor for advice on your fitness to drive. You may need to stop driving if you have epilepsy, or brain haemorrhage, and after some types of treatment. Guidance on fitness to drive may change over time, and your doctor may need to consult the "At a glance" guide published by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), or their Medical Adviser. If there is any doubt about your fitness to drive, you can be referred to a special centre for assessment. If you have to stop driving for a while, you are legally obliged to contact the DVLA (see Other organisations that may be able to help). If you do not stop driving when you have been advised to do so, nor contact the DVLA, you may put yourself and others at risk, and your insurance company will not cover you in the event of an accident.

Returning to work is often best done gradually. Your GP is probably the best person to discuss this with and, as with other aspects of your life, you yourself are a good judge of what you are able to do.
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Vascular malformations of the brain

ISBN 1 901893 26X
£4