Hi

I am after some advice as pinpointing specifics if difficult. I have a worker that was in hospital this morning with a suspected TIA. The employee had a CAT scan and the results were negative although the hospital are treating his symptoms as though he has in fact had one. 

The employee has been discharged from hospital with medication and asked to return in 1 week for a repeat CT scan. 

The employee wants to return to work tomorrow!!

My problem is this, the employee is in charge of a company vehicle and also they will be lone working? I am aware that following a stroke or TIA a person is not permitted to drive but in this particular instance it isnt confirmed. 

I have spoken with the Stroke Association who werent any help really but did say that a TIA wouldnt show on a CT scan as the clot that causes the TIA would disperse usually within 24 hours. 

So, would you be happy for the person to return to work without a diagnosis? would you be happy to allow them to drive a company vehicle. 

Thanks in advance

As someone who has experienced what was diagnosed as a possible TIA, albeit very mild, perhaps I may comment.

Firstly, it is true that a TIA may not show on the scan. It did not in my case, but the specialist considered the evidence sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of a TIA. In any event his advice was that I should not drive for a month, even though I had not suffered any impairment in my consciousness, reactions, etc. The DVLC has a strict policy on this.

More importantly, imagine you let him drive, then there is an accident, not necessarily his fault. Should the insurance company find out about the TIA how do you think they would respond?

Following my TIA and at the end of the month I underwent a full eyesight test, including field of vision, etc. The insurance company was very happy and as a result not at all concerned about my starting to drive again.

Hope this is of some help. Any questions PM me or call on 01386 832 311

Chris

With respect to the OP, why is this a question?

Its your business, it's your risk assessment and if you are not happy with the outcomes of that risk assessment , then apply some temporary control measures.  I think its entirely reasonable for this employee to be on restricted duties for a short period and certainly not driving. They may not like it, but never mind

I had a TIA 12/13 years ago - luckily with no significant lasting side effects. But I do recall going into complete denial state at the time. I knew I was potentially very ill - or what I was facing could potentially lead to a  stroke, but I refused to accept it for a while. I only went to A+E to avoid further harm from my wife!!!!

So question any verbal findings

It would be well advised that those who have had or have a suspected TIA refrain from driving for a period of at least 1 month, no need to inform DVLA....it is in the persons best interest (commented based on DVLA medical guidance P30)... although for the use of medical professionals....

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/736938/assessing-fitness-to-drive-a-guide-for-medical-professionals.pdf

ask for a copy of the letter. there are different levels, and you need to understand that the fear of no driving could mean that it may be a case of it being underplayed, as well as it just being as it as being presented. 

they also need to be very careful with dvla, as in some cases it could be 6 months, it could be 1 month, could be less, getting to a sensible person within dvla could be a longer process too. 

if they have use of commercial vehicles/licence, then dvla will be very cagey about giving licence back if at all. so again, care needs to be used in the presentation of complete, accurate information, and engage/discuss with an occupational health person if you have one, if not, look at one on the occupational health providers register. i had a discussion with hse and she suggested a particulat provider as having competency with the issue we were looking at. also see if you can speak to someone at the hospital to see if they work with any ones or have had contact with them. 

also think you need to look at occupational health systems and controls, as the person may be put on a monitoring, diet and other controls, so they could be an opportunity to showcase a life changing "health" wellbeing case study, don't waste a crisis and all that... 

Had a quick look at the link you provided and this bit tickled me. 

You don’t need to tell DVLA if you had a TIA and have recovered.

Who defines recovered? What does recovered mean? I still have short term memory issues every now and again so am I recovered or still suffering from symptoms?

All very subjective.