@article{ref1,
title="Effects of surgery for obstructive sleep apnea on cognitive function and driving performance",
journal="Sleep and Breathing",
year="2021",
author="Bachar, Gideon and Alkan, Uri and Nachalon, Yuval and Gilat, Hanna and Feinmesser, Raphael and Ritter, Amit",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a significantly increased risk of motor vehicle accidents in addition to such cognitive impairments  as attention and memory deficits. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of  upper airway surgery for OSA on driving and cognitive function. <br><br>METHODS: Adult  patients who underwent surgery for OSA at a tertiary medical center in 2016-2019  were prospectively recruited. Patients were assessed before and 3-6 months after  surgery with a self-report and neurocognitive battery and a driving simulation  platform. <br><br>RESULTS: The cohort included 32 patients of average age 46.9 ± 11.6 years. During the 3 years before treatment, 9 patients had been involved in road accidents  and 18 were detained by police for traffic violations. After surgery, there was a  significant decrease in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (13.7 vs. 8.1, p 0.043) and a  significant reduction in time to completion of the Color Trail Test (part 1: 21.4 vs  18.7 s, p = 0.049; part 2: 46.8 vs 40.5 s, p = 0.038). Improvements in divided  attention and selective attention response times were noted on the advanced stages  of the Useful Field of Vision Scale (p = 0.013, p = 0.054). Before surgery, patients  showed a high tendency to drive over the speed limit and to cross the dividing line  to the opposite lane on the simulation test. Nevertheless, all considered themselves  good drivers. These tendencies decreased after treatment. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for  OSA can significantly improve driving performance and cognitive function.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1520-9512",
doi="10.1007/s11325-020-02285-w",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11325-020-02285-w"
}