Uri Alkan1,2, Yuval Nachalon3,4, Penina Weiss5, Amit Ritter3,4, Raphael Feinmesser3,4, Hanna Gilat3,4, Gideon Bachar3,4. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinsky St., 4941492, Petach Tikva, Israel. urialkan@gmail.com. 2. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. urialkan@gmail.com. 3. Department of Otorhinolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinsky St., 4941492, Petach Tikva, Israel. 4. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. 5. Department of Occupational Therapy and Driving Rehabilitation Services, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinsky St., 4941492, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a significantly increased risk of motor vehicle accidents in addition to such cognitive impairments as attention and memory deficits. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of upper airway surgery for OSA on driving and cognitive function. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent surgery for OSA at a tertiary medical center in 2016-2019 were prospectively recruited. Patients were assessed before and 3-6 months after surgery with a self-report and neurocognitive battery and a driving simulation platform. RESULTS: The cohort included 32 patients of average age 46.9 ± 11.6 years. During the 3 years before treatment, 9 patients had been involved in road accidents and 18 were detained by police for traffic violations. After surgery, there was a significant decrease in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (13.7 vs. 8.1, p 0.043) and a significant reduction in time to completion of the Color Trail Test (part 1: 21.4 vs 18.7 s, p = 0.049; part 2: 46.8 vs 40.5 s, p = 0.038). Improvements in divided attention and selective attention response times were noted on the advanced stages of the Useful Field of Vision Scale (p = 0.013, p = 0.054). Before surgery, patients showed a high tendency to drive over the speed limit and to cross the dividing line to the opposite lane on the simulation test. Nevertheless, all considered themselves good drivers. These tendencies decreased after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for OSA can significantly improve driving performance and cognitive function.
BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a significantly increased risk of motor vehicle accidents in addition to such cognitive impairments as attention and memory deficits. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of upper airway surgery for OSA on driving and cognitive function. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent surgery for OSA at a tertiary medical center in 2016-2019 were prospectively recruited. Patients were assessed before and 3-6 months after surgery with a self-report and neurocognitive battery and a driving simulation platform. RESULTS: The cohort included 32 patients of average age 46.9 ± 11.6 years. During the 3 years before treatment, 9 patients had been involved in road accidents and 18 were detained by police for traffic violations. After surgery, there was a significant decrease in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (13.7 vs. 8.1, p 0.043) and a significant reduction in time to completion of the Color Trail Test (part 1: 21.4 vs 18.7 s, p = 0.049; part 2: 46.8 vs 40.5 s, p = 0.038). Improvements in divided attention and selective attention response times were noted on the advanced stages of the Useful Field of Vision Scale (p = 0.013, p = 0.054). Before surgery, patients showed a high tendency to drive over the speed limit and to cross the dividing line to the opposite lane on the simulation test. Nevertheless, all considered themselves good drivers. These tendencies decreased after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for OSA can significantly improve driving performance and cognitive function.
Authors: Ruth L B Ellen; Shawn C Marshall; Mark Palayew; Frank J Molnar; Keith G Wilson; Malcolm Man-Son-Hing Journal: J Clin Sleep Med Date: 2006-04-15 Impact factor: 4.062
Authors: Jason M Doherty; Catherine M Roe; Samantha A Murphy; Ann M Johnson; Ella Fleischer; Cristina D Toedebusch; Tiara Redrick; David Freund; John C Morris; Suzanne E Schindler; Anne M Fagan; David M Holtzman; Brendan P Lucey; Ganesh M Babulal Journal: Sleep Date: 2022-06-13 Impact factor: 6.313
Authors: Chitra Lal; Indu Ayappa; Najib Ayas; Andrew E Beaudin; Camilla Hoyos; Clete A Kushida; Marta Kaminska; Anna Mullins; Sharon L Naismith; Ricardo S Osorio; Craig L Phillips; Ankit Parekh; Katie L Stone; Arlener D Turner; Andrew W Varga Journal: Ann Am Thorac Soc Date: 2022-08