Accidents & Violence, Author Interviews, JAMA / 29.02.2016
History of Fainting Raises Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Anna-Karin Numé MD, PhD student
Copenhagen University Gentofte Hospital
Department of Cardiology
Cardiovascular Research
Hellerup Denmark
Medical Research: What is the background for this study?
Dr. Numé: While it is obvious that a loss of consciousness while driving a car is very dangerous, what is not known is whether individuals who have had an episode of fainting (syncope) have a significantly higher risk of having car crashes in the future. Because about one third of patients with syncope are likely to have a recurrence, physicians face a difficult judgment about whether patients with syncope are fit to drive.
Medical Research: What are the main findings?
Dr. Numé: In this nationwide study of patients with syncope, having a history of syncope were associated with a 2-fold-higher risk of later motor vehicle crashes requiring medical attention at an emergency department or hospital compared with the general population – a risk that remained elevated throughout a follow-up of 5 years. This risk was small in absolute terms, yet raises important questions about policies towards driving.
(more…)