Leitlinie zur Beurteilung der Fahreignung bei neurologischen Erkrankungen

Driving ability has to be assessed for the need of the patient, or because of the duty of information by the physician, or for an official statement for the drivers licence office. In the examination, motor functions of arms and legs, visual capacities, functions of the equilibrium sense have to be judged as well as mental abilities such as visual perception, attention and endurance. To check the latter validated objective psychological tests have to be used. Some of the deficits in driving ability can be compensated for by technical alterations of the vehicle in case of physical disabilities, or by careful, anticipating and danger-conscious driving in case of mental disabilities. However, homonymous hemianopia, persisting double vision, suddenly appearing vertigo attacks or visual hemineglect syndrome can not be compensated for. Each case has to be judged individually whether a concrete risk of accident emerges from the neurological disease or its symptoms. Such risk is to assume, if the physical or metal disability may cause the danger of a road accident, or if unforeseeable disturbances of consciousness may occur, or if the driver has not sufficient insight in the risks and dangers of driving. The conditions for specific diseases are discussed. In the practical examination it is recommended to do - besides standard clinical examination - an EEG, Doppler sonography of the brain supplying blood vessels and a qualified neuropsychological testing.