Factors affecting return to driving post-stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke can affect a person's ability to drive, an important means of transportation in the developed world.

Aims: 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.