Citation

Bivona U, Dʼippolito M, Giustini M, Vignally P, Longo E, Taggi F, Formisano R. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2011; 27(3): 210-215.

Affiliation

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (Drs Bivona, D'Ippolito, and Formisano) and Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Environment and Trauma Unit (Drs Giustini, Vignally, Longo, and Taggi), Rome, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0b013e31822178a9

PMID

21829135

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the frequency of road traffic accidents among individuals who start or resume driving after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to investigate their responsibility for these accidents. DESIGN:: Observational/retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS:: Sixty adults with severe TBI and their caregivers. MEASURES:: Return to Driving Questionnaire and Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS:: Thirty of the 60 participants started to drive or resumed driving after TBI. Nineteen (63%) of them were involved in traffic accidents, with personal responsibility in 26 of 36 after return to driving. Participants caused a significantly higher number of accidents after TBI than before. CONCLUSIONS:: The ability to drive is frequently compromised after severe TBI. Specific rehabilitation of this complex activity should be a main goal of social reintegration programs in this population.

Language: en