Return to flight with multiple sclerosis: Aeromedical considerations

Hasya Zinger, Alon Grossman, Amit Assa, Oshri Barel, Erez Barenboim, Ronen Levite

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, with versatile manifestations -relapsingremitting or progressive -and an unpredictable course, with prognoses ranging from minimal neurological impairment to severely disabled. Disease modifying agents can minimize relapse rate and slow disease progression. Yet most patients suffer relapses and progression despite use of these agents. Several of the manifestations of MS may cause overall decrease in the performance of the aviator. These include cognitive impairment, fatigue, and depression. Episodes of spasms, dysarthria, ataxia, parasthesias, diplopia, and hemiplegia, as well as drug side effects may also affect fl ight. Seizures and episodes of vertigo may occur suddenly and result in in-fl ight incapacitation. We present our experience with two aviators with defi nite MS and a navigator with probable MS. The various manifestations of MS are specifi cally addressed with an emphasis on the aeromedical implications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-64
Number of pages4
JournalAviation Space and Environmental Medicine
Volume82
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognitive impairment
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Optic neuritis
  • Relapsing-remitting
  • Sudden incapacitation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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