Evaluation of the elderly driver with arthritis.
Examination focusing upon the two clusters of function necessary for turning and braking is important as is nonthreatening questioning about driving. The effects of drugs used for arthritis on the CNS and a heightened emphasis upon the psychosocial implications of immobility complicate the management of older drivers with arthritis. Assuming optimal treatment of the arthritis, the two most important management tools are actually power-steering and automatic transmission. Less expensive adaptive available thorough rehabilitation services (e.g., auxiliary mirrors) are also of value.
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond.
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D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D001334:Automobile Driving; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects