Driving simulator to be tested on MS patients

MSUK · Post by **MSUK** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 10:13 pm

The Medical College of Georgia has received a one-year grant to determine the usefulness of using a simulator-based driving training program to improve fitness-to-drive in multiple sclerosis patients.

Fifty participants, recruited for the study through the MCG Multiple Sclerosis Center, will receive driving training at the MCG Driving Simulation Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Abiodun Akinwuntan, associate professor of physical therapy, graduate studies and neurology. The study is funded by the Consortium for Multiple Sclerosis Centers.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1430

gainsbourg · Post by **gainsbourg** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 12:14 am

My feet can't feel the pedals well enough to drive safely - even in an automatic car.

MrsGeorge · Post by **MrsGeorge** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 1:18 am

Have you looked into hand-controlled?

Would be cool if this worked. My ability to drive varies with my symptoms so I'm not sure that it would help.

gainsbourg · Post by **gainsbourg** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 7:03 am

I suppose I have to face that it has come to that. I've held off driving for over a year now, hoping the sensations would come back enough. Better to get hand controls than risk everyone's life!

elyse_peace · Post by **elyse_peace** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 7:24 am

don't have the strength/stamina for the accelerator, don't have the speed to get to the brake. don't drive anymore.

MrsGeorge · Post by **MrsGeorge** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 11:35 am

At least you recognise that it's most important to keep people safe, not everyone does. It's not good to be driving and accidentally mount kerbs n stuff - not that I've ever done that

I always have to make a judgement call but am glad that I can still drive most of the time. I had to switch to an automatic though because it's not easy to change gears when your clutch leg is constantly spasming!

Do you qualify for motability? It would make getting hand controls easier.

gainsbourg · Post by **gainsbourg** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 12:07 pm

Are you sure you've not skidded up on the kerb yet Mrs G!

Well, I'll wait and see if this severe numbness is permenant before I go for hand controls but don't suppose it will cost too much. I think I qualify for motility but hate the idea of all the tests and insurance hassles.

gainsbourg

elyse_peace · Post by **elyse_peace** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:02 pm

mrsgeorge-
i was able to get hand controls easily, at no cost, through the ms foundation in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. unfortunately any coordination is difficult for me and my arms are quite weak as well. so my friend kindly drives my car as needed.
elyse

MrsGeorge · Post by **MrsGeorge** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 12:05 am

gainsbourg wrote:Are you sure you've not skidded up on the kerb yet Mrs G!

Not this week! I did have to stop driving for a couple of weeks though - after I kerbed it twice in 2 days I realised that I had lost some sight in my left eye!

Do you get DLA? If you get higher rate mobility for DLA then you get car. Application process is a pain in the arse but being on DLA does open some doors. MS society helped me to fill in the forms to optimise chance of getting it. Failing that, you can investigate the cost of getting your current car adapted. I don't think it's too horrendous and there may be grants out there.

gainsbourg · Post by **gainsbourg** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 2:16 am

I believe that you only get DLA in England if you are unable to walk or care for yourself, and luckily for me I am still able to get around normally. Apart from no longer being able to drive the only other real disability is that I can't run.

gainsbourg

MrsGeorge · Post by **MrsGeorge** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 3:46 am

I'm in England - Reading. There are actually 3 levels of DLA dependent on your level of disability. If you can walk then you wouldn't qualify for motability. Good that you can walk, sucks that things have to be that crappy before you get any help. You might qualify for a lower level, which could help pay towards the cost of adapting your car.