Neurological disorders in Gulf War veterans

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Military Medicine

Background:

• Gulf War veterans (GWV) have been studied for potential long-term health effects.
• Neurological function is a key area of concern for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize findings on neurological function in Gulf War veterans.
• To determine the prevalence of neurological abnormalities in GWV compared to control groups.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 22 studies.
• Inclusion of diverse study types: hospitalization, registry, epidemiological, military unit, and controlled/uncontrolled veteran studies.
• Comparison of neurological findings between GWV and control populations.

Main Results:

• Most GWV exhibited normal neurological function.
• A small proportion of GWV were diagnosed with compression neuropathies (carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy).
• The majority of controlled studies showed no significant difference in neurological abnormalities between GWV and controls.
• A national US study indicated a potential increase in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence among GWV, though this may be linked to military service generally.

Conclusions:

• Extensive neurological testing is unlikely to reveal occult disorders if a GWV's neurological examination is normal.
• While ALS incidence may be elevated in GWV, the association with Gulf War service specifically requires further investigation.
• Overall neurological health in GWV appears largely comparable to control groups, with specific exceptions like compression neuropathies.