Factors affecting return to driving post-stroke.
BACKGROUND
Stroke can affect a person's ability to drive, an important means of transportation in the developed world.


OBJECTIVE
To determine percentage of patients and factors associated with return to driving post-stroke in a service with emphasis on driver assessment.


METHODS
Retrospective study of patients discharged from the Stroke Service of our 470-bed teaching hospital from 1998 to 2002.


RESULTS
Of 72 drivers pre-stroke, 54% recalled a driving assessment and 68% returned to driving. Younger patients (58.6 ± 12.0 vs. 66.5 ± 10.5, p = 0.008) with lower Modified Rankin Score (median 1 vs. 2, p = 0.0001) and normal cognition (55 vs. 43%, p = 0.45) were more likely to resume driving. More patients who were assessed returned to driving than those who were not (74 vs. 61%, p = 0.31).


CONCLUSIONS
A relatively high level of return to driving can be achieved post-stroke with a pro-active approach to driver assessment and rehabilitation. A structured assessment and referral programme should be offered where appropriate.
Tan
K M
KM
Stroke Service, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
O'Driscoll
A
A
O'Neill
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation