Migraine associated with road traffic accidents in United Arab Emirates

OBJECTIVE: To study migraine associated with road traffic accidents in the United Arab Emirates.

METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted at Al-Ain Medical Health District, Al-Ain and Tawam Hospitals, United Arab Emirates. A total 1985 vehicle drivers aged 18 years and above were seen at Al-Ain and Tawam Hospitals for accidents and trauma for the period of 1994. During this period a total of 1715 vehicle drivers responded for the study.

RESULTS: Of the 1715 vehicle drivers, 80 drivers had migraine condition in association with road traffic accidents. Migraine related vehicle accidents comprised about 4.7% of road traffic accidents; a higher proportion being relevant for motorways. The majority of victims (72.5%) were males and most (53.4%) were young and under the age of 35 years; 63% were married; 82.5 % had some formal education, 40% had a full license to drive a commercial taxi-cab; 63.7% had more than 2 years driving experience and 46.3% used safety seat belts occasionally. 61.3% admitted driving at excessive speeds; 35% smoke while driving; 33.8% use phones during driving and 38.8% drove with their child in the front seat. Overall, the prevalence rate of migraine at the present sample of adult drivers was 4.7% (80/1715). Of those studied 80 (4.7%) which were 72% migraine without aura and 28% migraine with aura, respectively. The comparison of licensed drivers with migraine and all other licensed drivers without migraine was made. Significantly higher risk was observed for careless driving [RR=1.54; 95% CI=1.21-1.94, p<0.002] and property damage [RR=1.88; 95% CI=1.02-3.44; p<0.05] among drivers having migraine. However, excessive speed violations, traffic violations, alcohol and drug use did not show significant association with RTA. Finally, there were very strong correlation between severity and frequency of migraine with the risk of careless driving (r=0.76, p<0.001) and property damage (r=0.61, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: More public awareness needs to be drawn to the dangers of driving while having difficulty with migraine conditions.