Prediction of driving ability in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using the stroke driver screening assessment

Abstract

The ability to drive is often affected in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) because of the motor, visual, or cognitive deficits commonly associated with the condition. In this study, we investigated the accuracy with which the Stroke Driver Screening Assessment (SDSA), an established battery for the prediction of driving performance of stroke survivors, would predict driving performance of individuals with MS. Driving performance of 44 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (mean ± SD age, 46 ± 11 years; 37 females and 7 males) who were currently driving at least once a month was predicted using their performance on the SDSA. Outcomes of a road test and the Useful Field of View (UFOV) test were used as measures of driving ability. Participants' performance on both the road and UFOV tests was predicted with more than 80% accuracy. The SDSA was more accurate in predicting who would pass the two tests than who would fail the tests. The SDSA battery appears to be a good predictor of driving performance of individuals with relapsing-remitting MS, especially those who have sufficient cognitive skills to continue driving. Larger studies are needed to definitively establish its predictive accuracy and confirm the validity of the predictions.