Abstract
Background
Stroke can affect a person’s ability to drive, an important means of transportation in the developed world.
Aims
To determine percentage of patients and factors associated with return to driving post-stroke in a service with emphasis on driver assessment.
Methods
Retrospective study of patients discharged from the Stroke Service of our 470-bed teaching hospital from 1998 to 2002.
Results
Of 72 drivers pre-stroke, 54% recalled a driving assessment and 68% returned to driving. Younger patients (58.6 ± 12.0 vs. 66.5 ± 10.5, p = 0.008) with lower Modified Rankin Score (median 1 vs. 2, p = 0.0001) and normal cognition (55 vs. 43%, p = 0.45) were more likely to resume driving. More patients who were assessed returned to driving than those who were not (74 vs. 61%, p = 0.31).
Conclusions
A relatively high level of return to driving can be achieved post-stroke with a pro-active approach to driver assessment and rehabilitation. A structured assessment and referral programme should be offered where appropriate.
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Tan, K.M., O’Driscoll, A. & O’Neill, D. Factors affecting return to driving post-stroke. Ir J Med Sci 180, 41–45 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0528-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0528-9