CDME Module 6: Neurological (see Module 5 – Musculoskeletal for Neuromuscular conditions)-Opinions of Expert Panel Traumatic Brain Injury and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Pdf Summary

This document provides a summary of the opinions of an expert panel on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver safety. The panel consisting of medical experts reviewed the current standards and guidelines for medical examiners related to TBI and CMV driver certification. <br /><br />The panel presented several opinions based on their understanding of the available information. Opinion 1 states that individuals with severe TBI or penetrating brain injury should be permanently prevented from obtaining CMV driver certification due to the increased risk of neurological deficits and seizures. Opinion 2 suggests that individuals with moderate TBI should be precluded from CMV driver certification for three years and should undergo assessments by their treating provider and neurologist. Opinion 3 states that individuals with mild TBI can be considered medically qualified to drive a CMV if they are symptom-free for a specified period of time. Opinion 4 states that individuals on anti-seizure medication following a single provoked seizure or prophylactically should not be qualified to drive a CMV until they meet current FMCSA criteria. Opinion 5 suggests that individuals with extremity impairment as the only residual deficit from TBI may be eligible for a skill performance evaluation certificate. Opinion 6 states that physicians should perform the commercial driver medical examination for individuals with TBI due to the complexities associated with their care. <br /><br />The document also provides an overview of the evidence report methodology used by the panel, as well as additional information on the severity classification of TBI and references. The evidence report identified that there is insufficient evidence to determine the impact of TBI on crash risk and driving performance. However, it suggests that cognitive function measured by certain neuropsychological tests may predict driving performance outcomes for individuals with TBI. The evidence also indicates that individuals with TBI who have not experienced a seizure within the first week still have a significant likelihood of experiencing late seizures in the years following the injury.

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Hartenbaum NP, et, al.
October 30, 2009

Keywords

traumatic brain injury

commercial motor vehicle

driver safety

expert panel

medical experts

neurological deficits

seizures

CMV driver certification

FMCSA criteria

skill performance evaluation certificate