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Drugs, driving and traffic safety in multiple sclerosis

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Drugs, Driving and Traffic Safety

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Abstract

Up to 65 % of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show sensory-motor deficits and cognitive impairment which influence activities of daily life and driving skills. Although there is certain evidence of driving difficulties among people with MS, only few studies have focused on this problem. Governmental regulations are based on little evidence.

All studies, mostly based on a small number of participants, have revealed that not physical disabilities but cognitive impairment has a strong impact on driving skills., Questionnaires, computer- based neuropsychological tests, and driving simulators have been used in order to assess driving skills. On-road tests have been applied, especially in cases of ambiguous test results.

Certain drugs recommended for different symptoms (spasticity, paroxysmal symptoms) are apt to cause fatigue and sleepiness. Disease modifying therapy (especially intramuscular interferon ß-1a) has demonstrated a beneficial effect on neuropsychological performance that can also improve driving abilities.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Ammerland-Klinik GmbH, Lange Straße 38, 26655, Westerstede, Germany

    Sylvia Kotterba

Authors
  1. Sylvia Kotterba
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Utrecht University Faculty of Science Section Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Joris C. Verster

  2. Somnogen Inc., 8790 112th Street, New York, NY, 11418, USA

    S. R. Pandi-Perumal

  3. Experimental Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology Faculty of Psychology and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Johannes G. Ramaekers

  4. Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Johan J. de Gier

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© 2009 Birkhäuser Verlag/Switzerland

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Kotterba, S. (2009). Drugs, driving and traffic safety in multiple sclerosis. In: Verster, J.C., Pandi-Perumal, S.R., Ramaekers, J.G., de Gier, J.J. (eds) Drugs, Driving and Traffic Safety. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-9923-8_21

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