2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

progressive, and while the specific cause is unknown, it is believed that both genetic andenvironmental factors contribute to the development of the disease.Cerebral palsyCerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy orearly childhood and is the result of damage to, or impaired development of, the motor centres ofthe brain. It is a non-progressive disorder that permanently affects body movement and musclecoordination.24.2 Prevalence and incidence of neurological disordersMultiple sclerosisThe prevalence of MS in Canada is among the highest in the world, with studies reportingprevalence rates from 55 to 240 per 100,000. A recent study using data from the 2001 CanadianCommunity Health Survey reported an overall weighted estimate of 240 per 100,000 adults(0.24%). 17MS is twice as likely to affect women as men, with the highest incidence occurring in individualsin their late 30’s, and the highest prevalence among those in their 40’s and 50’s.Parkinson’s diseaseEstimated prevalence rates for Parkinson’s disease vary widely depending on the populationsampled and the methodology used. Age-adjusted prevalence rates in Canada have beenreported as 125 per 100,000 (1.25%).Cerebral palsyThe prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Canadian infants is approximately 2 in 1000, with over50,000 Canadians currently living with the disorder. The number of individuals with CP hasrisen slightly over the past 30 years due to higher survival rates of affected newborns as care andtreatment have improved.24.3 Neurological disorders and adverse driving outcomesMultiple sclerosisThe research on MS and driving is limited. The results of this research indicate that drivingperformance may be impaired by functional deficits, including cognitive impairment, caused byMS.17 Weighted estimate means that the results from the data are adjusted (weighted) from the sampling design usingnational population data.318