PRELIMINARY DATA ON DRIVING ABILITY IN CHARCOT MARIE TOOTH 1A (CMT 1A) PATIENTS (P1.141)

Abstract

Objective: To determine driving ability in those with CMT1A. Background: Driving is a complex task requiring rapid responses, which can be impaired by weakness and sensory loss in those with peripheral neuropathies (PN). CMT1A subjects provide an ideal cohort for a study in how PN affects driver performance and safety. Methods: The following study draws from our registry of patients with CMT1A who have various levels of impairment indexed by the CMT Neuropathy Score (CMTNSv2). To evaluate driving abilities in CMT1A, sixteen participants with CMT1A and eight normal controls were tested using driving simulation scenarios implemented on the Simulator for Interdisciplinary Research in Ergonomics and Neuroscience (SIREN), a high performance driving simulator (a four-door 1994 GM Saturn SL2). SAS (statistical analysis software) was used to analyze data. Results: CMT1A patients reported on average two times more motor vehicle accidents (MVA’s) than controls. CMT drivers had double the rates of lane departures and lane crossings compared to controls (p=0.0006 and p=0.0040, respectively). Lane control variability was very similar in the two groups (p=0.7718), while steering wheel variability was about 1/3rd higher for CMT drivers, though not statistically significant (p=0.2266). Similarly, although collision rates were almost double in the CMT group compared to controls, this was not significant (p=0.1990). None of the five measures of driving were significantly associated with the CMTNSv2. Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggest that CMT1A patients self-report more MVA’s and make more lane deviation safety errors on a variety of driving scenarios and tasks in SIREN compared to controls. We will continue to acquire data on driving safety in CMT1A patients, which will provide insight on improving driving safety in patients with PN. Our next step will be to implement hand controls and determine if they reduce driving errors in those with PN.

Disclosure: Dr. Jerath has nothing to disclose. Dr. Feely has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dawson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Aksan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rizzo has received research support from Nissan Auto. Dr. Shy has nothing to disclose.