CDME Module 1: Overview-October 6, 2008

October 6, 2008

Pdf Summary

The Medical Review Board (MRB) of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held a meeting on October 6, 2008. The meeting began with introductions of the board members and FMCSA staff. The meeting agenda included a presentation on the evidence report findings on hearing, vestibular function, and psychiatric disorders, as well as public comments and MRB discussions on each topic. <br /><br />The presentation on hearing and vestibular function found inconclusive evidence on whether individuals with hearing loss are at an increased risk for a crash. The use of a hearing aid was associated with increased crash risk, but the evidence was inconclusive. The presentation also found inconclusive evidence on whether individuals with vestibular dysfunction are at an increased risk for a crash, and no studies were found on how long after an episode of vertigo it is safe to drive. The only treatment found to have a consistently positive impact on vertigo was the drug betahistine.<br /><br />The presentation on psychiatric disorders found inconclusive evidence on whether individuals with psychiatric disorders are at an increased risk for a motor vehicle crash. However, there is a possibility of increased risk for some drivers with psychiatric disorders. The use of benzodiazepine drugs was associated with an increased crash risk, especially during the first week of use. The evidence on antipsychotics and antidepressants was inconclusive. Traits associated with personality disorders were found to be associated with reductions in motor vehicle driver safety.<br /><br />The meeting ended with public comments and MRB deliberations on the topics. Recommendations were made to retain the current hearing standards and to convene a Medical Expert Panel (MEP) on psychiatric disorders. The MRB will further discuss the fitness for duty recommendation and the use of multiple medications at a future meeting.

Keywords

Medical Review Board

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

meeting

hearing

vestibular function

psychiatric disorders

crash risk

treatment

drug betahistine