Citation

Sakamaki K, Nishizawa S, Katsuki M, Kawamura S, Koh A. Cureus 2021; 13(5): e15293.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Curēus)

DOI

10.7759/cureus.15293

PMID

34211804

Abstract

Introduction Returning to driving after a stroke is a step toward independence and improving quality of life. Cognitive function after stroke is one of the essential factors that affect driving ability, and on-road driving assessment in driving school courses is beginning to spread in Japan. We started on-road driving assessment in 2018, and we herein report eight patients who underwent on-road driving assessment in the last three years, presenting both off-road cognitive function tests and on-road driving assessment results.

METHODS Of the 320 consecutive stroke patients from 2018 to 2020, we retrospectively investigated the eight patients' characteristics who underwent on-road driving assessment. We performed cognitive function tests, including behavioral inattention test (BIT), trail-making test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III, and behavioral assessment of the dysexecutive syndrome. Patients who meet BIT > 35, at least three other subitem criteria, and no unevaluable subitems can undergo on-road driving assessment by a driving instructor. With the recommendation of the driving instructors, we comprehensively decided the permission to drive.

RESULTS All eight patients could return to driving after on-road driving assessment. Two patients could return to driving after nearly a year.

CONCLUSION The patients did not meet all the cut-offs of the cognitive function test, but they were judged to return to driving by driving instructors. We finally permitted all eight patients to drive. On-road driving assessment in the driving school course might be helpful for determining the permission to return to driving.

Language: en

Keywords

rehabilitation; stroke; cognitive assessment; higher brain dysfunction; internal medicine in rural areas; on-road driving assessment