Stroke survivors often resume driving without being formally evaluated, even after their ability to speak, think, see and control the body has been affected, according to new research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference.
Fewer than 6 percent of stroke survivors said they received a formal driving evaluation in the new survey, yet more than 51 percent returned to driving, many of them a month after suffering a stroke. Of those who took to the road, 31 percent reported that their strokes had "some effect" on basic activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing and dressing oneself. Eleven percent reported the stroke had "great effect."
"Given the severity of stroke for some of these patients, it really surprised me that they would actually be able to get behind the wheel," said Dr. Shelly Ozark, a professor of neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina. "There basically isn't anything on the books in the majority of states that demands people get retested in their driving abilities following a major health event such as stroke." Read the full details here:
Stroke Survivors Getting Behind the Wheel Without Evaluation
It is frightening to think that stroke survivors who have difficulties with activities of daily living, such as feeding or bathing, are permitted to get behind the wheel of a car without an evaluation to determine whether they can safely drive.
If you or a family member believe you have a medical malpractice case, contact Crandall & Pera Law today for a free case evaluation. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.