Biomedical subjects

Edward Garay

Publications and source records attributed to Edward Garay.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Assessing functional status: exploring the relationship between the multiple sclerosis functional composite and driving.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), which is comprised of 3 clinical dimensions (arm and hand function, leg function and ambulation, cognition), and an everyday functional skill, driving performance. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Medical rehabilitation research organization. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine individuals with documented multiple sclerosis (MS) and limited motor decrements. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Driving-related skills were measured by using the overall category rating from the Useful Field of View (UFOV) Test, its 3 subtests, the error and latency scores from the Neurocognitive Driving Test (NDT), subjective (self-report) and objective (Department of Motor Vehicles [DMV] reports) reported driving experience, and number of motor vehicle crashes. Within the group, differences were explored between participants rated as low risk versus moderate-high risk on the UFOV overall score and between participants who reported a change in driving habits after MS versus those who reported no change. RESULTS: The overall MSFC score correlated significantly with the UFOV overall score, the visual-information processing and selective attention subtests of the UFOV, the NDT latency score, as well as with the number of days a week the individual drove and the number of crashes reported by the DMV. An examination of the MSFC components revealed that the cognition component was significantly related to the UFOV overall score, all 3 subtests of the UFOV, and the NDT latency score. The arm and hand function component correlated significantly with NDT latency and the selective attention subtest of the UFOV. Individuals classified as low risk on the UFOV overall had more education, better MSFC scores, and lower NDT latency scores. Only the overall MSFC score distinguished those who reported a change in driving habits after onset of MS. CONCLUSIONS: Problems with everyday functional skills such as driving are accurately identified through the use of the overall MSFC and its components.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Motor vehicle crashes and violations among drivers with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in the incidence of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) and violations among drivers with multiple sclerosis (MS) when cognitive impairment is present. DESIGN: Archival evaluation of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records. SETTING: Medical rehabilitation research organization. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling drivers, 27 subjects with documented MS (14 MS without cognitive impairment [MS-], 13 MS with cognitive impairment [MS+]) and 17 healthy control subjects, matched on age, sex, and driving experience. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of MVCs and motor vehicle violations as documented by DMV reports for the past 5 years. RESULTS: MS+ subjects showed a higher incidence of MVCs when compared with control and MS- subjects. No significant difference in the incidence of motor vehicle violations was observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of cognitive impairment in drivers with MS can result in an increased risk of MVC involvement.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2002

Telerehabilitation needs: a survey of persons with acquired brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To survey individuals with acquired brain injury to assess multiple facets of interest, access, and familiarity necessary to implement new telerehabilitation technologies. DESIGN: Anonymous mail survey. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-one respondents to a survey. These individuals had experienced acquired brain injury (predominantly severe traumatic brain injury [TBI]) and were living in the community. Surveys were mailed by a state chapter of the Brain Injury Association to a random selection of members with acquired brain injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Survey designed specifically for this investigation. RESULTS: The survey responses indicate that there is great interest in the possibility of accessing telerehabilitative services among individuals with acquired brain injury. In particular, there was strong interest expressed in services that could be used to assist with problems in memory, attention, problem-solving, and activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine, and more specifically telerehabilitation, holds great promise as an adjunct to traditional clinical service delivery. Little research in this area has been applied, however, to individuals with acquired brain injuries. Although on the surface, telerehabilitation seems to be an appropriate assessment and treatment modality for individuals with brain injury, it will only succeed if those individuals have the interest-and the access-necessary to use new and evolving technologies.

Adolescent↗