Expert opinions regarding daytime sleepiness in neurological diseases and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

• Published in: Nervenarzt 2007-08, Vol.78 (8), p.861-870
• Main Authors: Kotterba, S, Orth, M, Happe, S, Mayer, G
• Format: Article
• Language: ger
• Subjects: Accidents, Traffic - legislation & jurisprudence; Accidents, Traffic - prevention & control; Attention; Disability Evaluation; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence - diagnosis; Epilepsy - diagnosis; Expert Testimony - legislation & jurisprudence; Germany; Humans; Narcolepsy - diagnosis; Nervous System Diseases - diagnosis; Neuropsychological Tests; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Risk Assessment; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - diagnosis; Sleep Wake Disorders - diagnosis; Social Security - legislation & jurisprudence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Work Capacity Evaluation
• ISSN: 0028-2804
• DOI: 10.1007/s00115-006-2191-y

Patients with increased daytime sleepiness are impaired in all areas of their social environment. Expert opinions are recommended for pension proceedings, regarding driving licenses as well as for restrictions at the workplace. All possibilities should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sleep disorders, which have to be treated before an expert opinion is submitted. Statutory regulations on evaluation of sleepiness are contained in the guidelines for assessing a patient's fitness to drive. The importance of daytime sleepiness in other occupations should be assessed according to the respective workplace. The patient should be informed of the appraisal with regard to career choice and workplace design. The expert thus has the responsible task of carrying out interdisciplinary differential diagnosis of pathological sleepiness and monitoring treatment success with appropriate test methods. In the present paper the legal guidelines in Germany and available test methods are presented.