OPAM Workshop: DOT FMCSA NRCME Course-263074

263074 - Article 20

Pdf Summary

The document outlines the requirements and procedures for a neurologist to evaluate a patient applying for the initial issuance or renewal of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). New regulations necessitate a detailed neurology consult focusing on specific tests and expert opinions to determine the applicant's neurological fitness for driving commercially.

Key areas of the evaluation include:
1. <strong>Seizures</strong>: Ensuring the patient is seizure-free for a specified period, has ceased anticonvulsant medication, and has normal physical and neurological examinations, including a neuro-ophthalmological evaluation. A neuropsychological test with attached results and clearance from a knowledgeable neurologist is required.

2. <strong>Strokes</strong>: The neurologist must assess cognitive abilities, judgment, attention, concentration, vision, physical strength, agility, and reaction time. The evaluation must consider the type of stroke and the time since its occurrence to determine if the patient is fit to drive commercially.

3. <strong>Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)</strong>: For mild or moderate TBI cases, the patient must complete a waiting period free from seizures and off anticonvulsant medication, while maintaining normal examinations. Severe TBI disqualifies a patient from obtaining a CDL.

Certification periods are based on:
- <strong>Minimum 1-year seizure-free</strong> status for mild insults without early seizures or strokes without seizure risk.
- <strong>Minimum 2-year seizure-free</strong> status for moderate insults without seizures or mild insults with early seizures.
- <strong>Minimum 5-year seizure-free</strong> status for moderate insults with early seizures or strokes with a seizure risk.

Specific waiting periods are outlined for embolic and thrombotic strokes based on their risk of causing seizures. The document concludes with a note of gratitude from a Certified Commercial Motor Vehicle Examiner, providing a registration number as reference.

Keywords

neurologist evaluation

Commercial Driver's License

neurological fitness

seizure-free period

neuropsychological test

stroke assessment

traumatic brain injury

CDL certification periods

neurology consult

seizure risk