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Related Experiment Videos

Is there a neurologist on this flight?

J I Sirven1, D W Claypool, K L Sahs

  • 1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA. Sirven.Joseph@mayo.edu

Neurology
|June 27, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Neurologic events are the most common in-flight medical issue, causing significant airline diversions and costs. Enhancing medical kits with antiepileptic drugs and training could mitigate these neurologic incidents.

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Area of Science:

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • In-flight medical emergencies pose significant challenges for airlines and passengers.
  • Neurologic events are a frequent cause of medical consultations and diversions during air travel.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of neurologic events on commercial flights.
  • To evaluate the adequacy of current onboard medical kits for neurologic emergencies.
  • To assess the economic impact of diversions due to neurologic events.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a database of air-to-ground medical consultations from 1995-2000 for a major US airline.
  • Classification of neurologic symptoms and calculation of diversion costs.
  • Extrapolation of costs to the US airline industry.

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Main Results:

  • Neurologic symptoms accounted for 31% of medical calls and 34% of diversions.
  • Dizziness/vertigo, seizures, and headaches were the most common neurologic symptoms.
  • Annual diversion costs due to neurologic events were estimated at nearly $9 million.

Conclusions:

  • Neurologic symptoms are the leading cause of medical diversions, second only to cardiovascular issues.
  • Onboard medical kits could be improved by including antiepileptic drugs.
  • Enhanced emergency medical training for flight personnel may reduce diversions for neurologic incidents.