Driving with Dizziness: Safety Considerations

 Dizziness can be a disorienting and sometimes dangerous symptom—especially when you're behind the wheel. At Sunrise Physical Therapy , we see many patients dealing with Vestibular physiotherapy Spruce Grove, inner ear disorders, or post-concussion symptoms that can lead to unsteadiness or vertigo. If you’re experiencing dizziness, knowing when it’s safe to drive—and when it’s not—is vital for your safety and the safety of others.

What Causes Dizziness?

Dizziness can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Vestibular disorders (e.g., BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease)

Post-concussion symptoms

Low blood pressure or dehydration

Medications with side effects

Neurological conditions

These conditions can impair your balance, spatial orientation, vision, and reaction time—key functions necessary for safe driving.

When Is It Unsafe to Drive?

Driving may not be safe if you experience:

Sudden spinning sensations (vertigo)

Blurred or double vision

Delayed response times

Frequent lightheadedness or fainting

Loss of balance or disorientation

If you’ve had any of these symptoms recently, avoid driving until you've been cleared by a healthcare professional. Risking an accident due to an episode of dizziness is never worth it.

Assessing Your Fitness to Drive

At Sunrise Physical Therapy, our vestibular physiotherapists conduct thorough evaluations to help determine your functional ability and reaction timing. We assess:

Gaze stability and visual focus

Balance and head movement coordination

Reaction time and multitasking ability

This functional testing helps identify whether your dizziness is mild, moderate, or severe, and whether it may compromise driving safety.

How Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Help

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physiotherapy aimed at treating the root causes of dizziness. At Sunrise Physical Therapy, we offer:

Gaze stabilization exercises

Balance training

Habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity

Over time, many patients see improvements in their ability to tolerate motion, move their head without symptoms, and regain confidence while driving.

Tips for Driving Safely with Mild Dizziness

If your symptoms are mild and you’ve been cleared by your physiotherapist, follow these precautions:

Avoid driving during symptom flare-ups

Drive during daylight hours for better visibility

Keep your eyes moving and avoid sudden head turns

Pull over if symptoms worsen suddenly

Let Sunrise Help You Get Back on the Road

If dizziness is interfering with your ability to drive, you’re not alone. Sunrise Physical Therapy in Spruce Grove offers expert assessment and customized vestibular physiotherapy programs to help restore your stability and confidence.

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