driving with multiple sclerosis
MS SOCIETY



Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that affects your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It happens when your immune system attacks myelin, a fatty substance that surrounds your nerves and damages their ability to transmit electrical signals.


Although many people with MS can drive normally, others may require adaptive equipment. Some people with multiple sclerosis may be unable to drive at all due to safety concerns. The best way to find out if you can drive safely is to be evaluated by a driving rehabilitation specialist.

In this article, we look at how MS can affect driving, how to get tested, and what modifications can be made to your vehicle.




How MS may impact driving?


According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeTrusted Source, multiple sclerosis can affect your reflexes, strength, and mobility over time. If these changes become significant enough, driving safely may become difficult or impossible. According to a 2021 studyTrusted Source, drivers with MS may be more likely to be involved in car accidents.


Being diagnosed with MS does not preclude you from driving legally. State laws differ, but most require you to disclose any conditions that may impair your ability to drive, including MS.


MS has an unpredictable course. Some people only have mild symptoms, whereas others develop severe disabilities. Because of this variation, determining someone's fitness to drive with MS is an individualized process that includes evaluating your vision, cognition, and physical abilities.


Vision issues

Many persons with MS suffer visual difficulties that might impair their ability to drive. Optic neuritis is a typical first sign of MS. According to a reliable source, ocular neuritis can result in the following:

  • vision blurred
  • Eye discomfort that intensifies with movement of the eyes
  • color vision impairment
  • Spots of inattention
  • blindness to some extent
  • Peripheral vision loss

Other signs and symptoms

People with MS frequently experience cognitive, motor, or other general health issues that impede their driving ability.

Among the MS-related symptoms that might impair driving are:

  • fatigue.
  • Muscle spasms or weakness
  • Hand and foot coordination problems
  • response time was slowed
  • seizures.
  • loss of short-term memory
  • disorientation.
  • forgetfulness.
  • inability to concentrate
  • failure to multitask
  • Mood swings

Physical symptoms might make it difficult to operate your car's gas and brake pedals, move the wheel, or shift gears. Cognitive symptoms can involve sluggish reaction time, disorientation, and difficulty regulating emotions.


Certain MS drugs may also cause sleepiness or impaired concentration. These adverse effects may lead to impaired driving.


Driving may be regarded risky during MS flare-ups but safe at other times. Flare-ups are periods when your symptoms are very severe. MS symptoms can worsen when you are anxious or ill.