%0 Journal Article
%T Driving Difficulties and Adaptive Strategies: The Perception of Individuals Having Sustained a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
%A Carolina Bottari
%A Marie-Pierre Lamothe
%A Nadia Gosselin
%A Isabelle G¨Ślinas
%A Alain Ptito
%J Rehabilitation Research and Practice
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/837301
%X Introduction. After a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), individuals quickly resume driving. However, relatively little is known about the impact of mTBI on driving ability and, notably, on the perceived influence of postconcussive symptoms on driving. Hence, the objective of this study was to document the perception of driving abilities in individuals with mTBI. Method. Twenty-seven drivers with mTBI were interviewed to document their perception regarding their driving abilities. Both driving-related difficulties and compensatory strategies used to increase driving safety were documented. A mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data was completed. Results. 93% of participants reported at least one difficulty perceived as having an impact on everyday activities. Most frequently named problems affecting driving were fatigue and reduced concentration. In addition, 74% of participants had adapted their driving or developed strategies to compensate for driving difficulties. Discussion/Conclusion. Postconcussive symptoms have repercussions on driving ability. However, people with mTBI tend to be aware of their difficulties and develop, over time, adaptive strategies. Preventive measures are thus warranted to increase health care professionals' awareness of the potential consequences of mTBI on driving ability and to promote guidelines for the safe resumption of driving after injury. 1. Introduction Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a major public health problem disproportionately affecting young adults [1]. Incidence in the United States is about 600 per 100,000 population, though many do not seek medical care, and only 25% are admitted to hospital [1]. It is estimated that up to 25% of individuals presenting to the emergency department with mTBI have persisting postconcussive symptoms at 6 months following injury [2], such as headaches, fatigue, concentration deficits, delayed information processing, and vision and memory problems. Despite these problems, individuals generally resume driving shortly after their mTBI. However, very few studies have examined the potential consequences of mTBI on driving ability to promote positive strategies and guidelines for the safe resumption of driving after injury. In the present study, this issue will be investigated by obtaining the perspective of individuals who have sustained a mTBI in order to explore and describe the problems they experience in relation to driving, and the strategies they utilize to ensure safety when driving. Driving is a complex, cognitively demanding activity [3]. It requires
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/rerp/2012/837301/