A patient with Parkinson’s disease has two episodes of sudden irresistible sleepiness while driving. There was no collision, Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Question

A patient with Parkinson’s disease has two episodes of sudden irresistible sleepiness while driving. There was no collision, Epworth Sleepiness Scale is 8, and a dopamine agonist may be contributing. Which immediate advice is required?

Accepted Answer

Stop driving, notify DVLA and review dopaminergic treatment and other causes of somnolence

Answer

Stop driving and notify DVLA after a sleep study confirms pathological daytime somnolence

Answer

Notify DVLA and restrict driving to daylight while the dopaminergic regimen is reviewed

Answer

Stop driving while reducing the dopamine agonist, with DVLA notification deferred pending recurrence

Answer

Stop driving for one month after medication review, then resume if Epworth remains below 10

PD Sleepiness and Driving – DVLA — SCE Neurology MCQ

A patient with Parkinson’s disease has two episodes of sudden irresistible sleepiness while driving. There was no collision, Epworth Sleepiness Scale is 8, and a dopamine agonist may be contributing. Which immediate advice is required?