What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic condition that involves damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves play an essential role in transmitting sensory information from the limbs to the brain and sending signals from the brain to the muscles.
What Are The Causes Of Peripheral Neuropathy?
Because the condition is typically acquired and not inherited, there are many causes of peripheral neuropathy. Physical trauma, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, certain treatments – like radiation, drug side effects, and infections are all common causes. Symptoms can develop gradually or progress quickly depending on what causes the peripheral neuropathy.
How Peripheral Neuropathy Affects Driving
The symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy can directly impact an individual’s fitness to drive. Ways it interferes with driving include:
- Decreased Sensation in Legs & Feet: Many people with peripheral neuropathy report having no sensation in their limbs, or they experience tingling or numbness. This can make it more difficult to find the gas or brake pedal with your foot or feel the pressure of on the pedals while driving, which may increase the risk of accidents.
- Impaired Coordination: If someone is experiencing issues with coordination, it can be more difficult to react to changes in traffic conditions quickly.
- Weakness or Loss of Movement: Some people with peripheral neuropathy may experience weakness in their limbs or conditions like foot drop, making hard to lift their foot and making it difficult to maintain control of their vehicle.
- Impaired Proprioception: The ability to perceive one’s own body parts in space is known as proprioception. This may make it more difficult for drivers to place their foot on the appropriate pedal and adjust the pressure applied.
If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, we recommend having a comprehensive driving evaluation completed by an occupational therapy driver rehabilitation specialist. An OT DRS can conduct a thorough evaluation to assess an individual’s fitness to drive.
Self Check: Is It Time to Call an OT Driver Rehab Specialist?
If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to talk to your doctor and call an OT DRS.
- Numbness or tingling in your feet.
- Weakness requiring the use of a brace on the foot.
- Trouble or fatigue tapping your foot to your favorite song.
- Hitting the wrong pedal.
- Missing the pedal.
- Have an experience where the car overaccelerates.
- Trouble finding and pressing on the brake.
How Can An OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Help?
An occupational therapy driver rehabilitation specialist can provide a thorough driving assessment for individuals with peripheral neuropathy. These experts can evaluate an individual’s fitness to drive and have a deep understanding of various underlying conditions that affect driving.
During a comprehensive driving evaluation, the OT DRS will work with their client to understand the impact peripheral neuropathy may or may not have on their driving habits. They will be able to spot patterns and determine if adaptive driving equipment may be needed. If adaptive equipment is needed, a driver rehab specialist may also provide training for drivers to teach them how to use their new driving technology properly and then write an adaptive equipment prescription.
At Adaptive Mobility, we are here to help you navigate driving with peripheral neuropathy. Contact us today to learn more about adaptive driving equipment options or our driver rehabilitation services near you!
