Neurologic Implications of Spaceflight (P11-4.001)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> Neurology in spaceflight has a rich history going back to the original days of the Gemini missions in the 1950s. With increased interest from governmental, commercial, and non-governmental entities the need to further address the integration of neurology and aerospace medicine as a burgeoning discipline. In preparation for the new Artemis generation, researchers and clinicians are attempting to understand better how changes to the nervous system are potentially hazardous and may compromise mission success. Long-duration spaceflight is associated with orthopedic, cardiovascular, urinary, immunologic, hematologic and neurologic changes. We aim to discuss several neurologic conditions that have been observed in astronauts, as well as discuss symptoms/syndromes which are limited to the spaceflight environment. According to NASA risk stratification, understanding particular neurologic conditions is critical as humanity sets its sights on the Moon and beyond. These conditions include cognitive changes, space motion sickness, space headache, and a progressively worsening visual acuity called Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). As more individuals representative of the average health of the population undergoes the rigors of spaceflight, more anticipated and unanticipated neurologic complications will occur. Patients with additional cardiovascular and neurologic risk factors will face different physiologic challenges than previous career astronauts and pilots. Primarily, neurologists will serve a vital role by applying knowledge of the central nervous system learned in the terrestrial equivalent patient to understand neuro-physiologic responses to spaceflight. This presentation aims to bring attention to and introduce this new area of neurology to help shape the future of humanity in space. <h3>Background:</h3> N/A <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> N/A <h3>Results:</h3> N/A <h3>Conclusions:</h3> N/A <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Rosenberg has nothing to disclose. Donna Roberts has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Guerbet. Donna Roberts has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Guerbet. The institution of Donna Roberts has received research support from Guerbet. The institution of Donna Roberts has received research support from NASA. Dr. Grimberg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Edwards has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Saway has nothing to disclose. Sami Al Kasab has nothing to disclose.