Publication Abstracts

Further Support for the Concept of a G-LOC Syndrome: A Survey of Military High-Performance Aviators

Karen L. Morrissette, M.D., M.P.H., and David G. McGowan, M.D., M.P.H.
Aviat Space Environ Med 2000; 71:496-500

Abstract

Methods: Some 329 military high-performance pilots were anonymously surveyed to determine the occurrence rates for a symptom complex of acceleration-induced neurologic manifestations. The premise for this symptom complex is the theory that acceleration-induced neurologic effects are not always an all-or-none phenomenon with G-LOC as the operational endpoint. Results: A significant number of aircrew in selected types of aircraft reported symptoms such as euphoria, apathy, displacement, depersonalization, poor response to auditory stimuli, immediate memory difficulties, sensory abnormalities, motor abnormalities, confusion, and dream-like state without loss of consciousness. Conclusion: These findings may signal a need for alterations in G-awareness training.

Keywords: acceleration, loss of consciousness, aviation, neurophysiology.

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Table of Contents for Volume 71, Number 5 of the ASME journal.