Medical Conditions and Driving: A Review of the Literature (1960 – 2000)
TRD Page
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Section1: Introduction
Section 2: Vision
Section 3: Hearing
Section 4: Cardiovascular
Section 5: Cerebrovascular
Section 6: Peripheral Vascular
Section 7: Nervous System
Section 8: Respiratory
Section 9: Metabolic
Section 10: Renal
Section 11: Musculoskeletal
Section 12: Psychiatric
Section 13: Drugs
Section 14: Aging Driver
Section 15: Anesthesia and Surgery
Appendix A
List of Tables
List of Figures
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Section 5: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Table 13  Guidelines for Cerebrovascular Diseases

(Reproduced with permission)

Guidelines for Cerebrovascular Diseases

Illness

Austroads (1998)

CMA (2000)

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

Should not drive for 6 weeks. Fitness-to-drive determined by cause of TIA. Should not drive for 2 years if multiple TIAs occur resulting in impaired consciousness or awareness, vertigo, or visual disturbances.

Patients who have experienced either a single or recurrent TIA should not be allowed to drive any type of motor vehicle until a complete assessment by a neurologist.

CVA’s

Aneurysms

Berry Aneurysms
Should not drive after detection until assessed by a neurosurgeon and assessment confirms fitness-to-drive.

Post Intracranial Surgery
Should not drive for a minimum of 3 months post surgery and assessment by relevant specialist (Neurologist/Neurosurgeon).

Vascular Malformations of Brain
Should not drive until assessed by specialist. The DLA may issue a license if risk of bleed is small and patient free of other conditions (e.g., epilepsy).

Untreated
Absolute barrier to driving any class of motor vehicle.

After Surgical Treatment
Waiting period 3 months.

Strokes

Should not drive for 3 months post event. Medical and driving assessor* opinion recommended.

Formal assessment of visual fields required.

Should not drive for at least one month.

May resume driving if functionally able and if a neurologic assessment discloses no obvious risk of sudden occurrence and any underlying cause has been addressed with appropriate treatment.

Residual loss of motor power-road test may be required.

Physician should take particular care to note any changes in personality, alertness, or decision-making ability.

Should remain under regular medical supervision.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhages

Should not drive for 3 months post event. Medical and driving assessor* opinion recommended. Formal assessment of visual fields required.

Not addressed.

* Driving assessor defined as a professional who assesses the fitness-to-drive of those with a medical condition. DLA = Driver Licensing Authority

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