Approach to the vestibular patient and driving: A patient perspective

R. Sindwani, L. S. Parnes, J. A. Goebel, S. R. Cass

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To learn about the impact of dizziness on driving from a patient perspective and to present an approach to the vestibular patient and driving. DESIGN: An anonymous questionnaire completed by 265 dizzy patients at 3 different centers. RESULTS: The participants were experienced drivers who needed to drive to function normally (83%). Those with constant or severe dizziness comprised a higher risk group of drivers. Although few had ever been warned not to drive, 52% said that if they were warned to stop driving, they would not. Most thought that it was the doctor's role to report unsafe drivers to the authorities (P < 0.001, χ2 = 87.2670). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of a vestibular disorder should not alone be grounds to suspend a patient's driver's license. Legislation should be amended to better reflect the views of doctors and patients alike.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-17
Number of pages5
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume121
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999
Externally publishedYes

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