Memory Loss

Short-term memory loss is a frequent challenge reported by people diagnosed with a brain tumour. Often, it is attributed to radiation therapy; however, surgery, chemotherapy and the tumour itself may play a role. Some short-term memory loss will get better with time, but all too frequently it becomes a permanent reality of daily life.

There are many tools that can be used to help adapt to short-term memory loss:

• Write things down, carry a pad and pencil in your pocket or purse.
• Keep a pad of paper beside all telephones.
• Use your smart phone’s voice recorder to make notes and memos on the fly
• Keep a calendar or daily planner of your activities.
• Put a blackboard in your kitchen.
• Use an alarm clock, a watch alarm or a stove timer to remind you of a task.
• Ask others to help you with reminders.

Driving

When faced with the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour, a health care provider may assess any impact of the tumour on your ability to drive. According to guidelines set by The Canadian Medical Association, should a medical professional deem you are no longer able to operate a motor vehicle safely, your driver’s license is considered eligible for suspension.

Alternatively, a health care provider may choose to only advise you not to drive, rather than contact the province’s motor vehicle regulatory body and recommend your license be suspended.

While the challenge of not having a driver’s license can feel like a loss of independence, it is important to remember that license suspension is common for brain tumour patients to experience and that you may be eligible to get your license back after a period of time.

Learn more about factors that impact driving with a brain tumour by speaking with your health care team and/or consulting a representative at your local Ministry of Transportation office.