Multiple sclerosis patients as automobile drivers

Abstract

294 patients with multiple sclerosis completed a questionnaire (related to social aspects and driving) and were later interviewed and examined. 153 (52%) patients (90 men, 63 women) had a driving license; of these, 32 (21%) gave up driving voluntarily (health reasons) and 11 (7%) had registered driving offences. The most common irregularity (not observing red traffic lights, 6 times) occurred more frequently than in the normal population, but a relation to specific neurologic symptoms was not established. The lower incidence of driving offences in these patients when compared to the general population (16%) can be due to less mileage, more careful driving or increased decisions to forsake driving rights. No significant neurologic differences were found between driving patients with and without offences; patients with offences tended to be less handicapped than those with clean driving records. It is concluded that patients with multiple sclerosis do not need to have their driving licence generally restricted. Individual assessments of traffic risks and eventual vehicle modifications are recommended. (10 references)