Assessing Fitness to Drive - BiOptic Driving Network

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS22 NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS (excluding Epilepsy)22.1 RELEVANCE TO DRIVING TASK22.1.1 At present, no empirical evidence can be cited about the incidence of vehiclecrashes across a given population of drivers suffering from a neurological disorder.However, it is certain that symptoms which are common to many neurologicalconditions, such as potential spontaneous loss of consciousness, confusional states,impairment of muscular power and coordination etc. are deleterious to the safehandling of a vehicle.22.2 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS22.2.1 The patient with a neurological disorder (including cerebro-vascular disease — seeStrokes, page 44) must be assessed to determine whether the sum of symptoms andsigns, being physical, mental and behavioural is compatible with driving.22.2.2 Any impairment of consciousness or awareness, or the presence of confusion orvertigo, is usually incompatible with driving. Muscular power and coordinationshould be adequate to control the motor vehicle safely.22.2.3 A loss of control of the limbs caused by paralysis, paresis or other neurologicalconditions may not necessarily prevent a person from driving safely. However,vehicle controls may require modification.22.2.4 If the practitioner is concerned about a patient’s ability to drive safely, the patientshould be urged to seek the assistance of a driver assessment service or appropriateallied health assessment.22.3 MEDICAL STANDARDS (see opposite page)42