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Space adaptation syndrome is caused by elevated intracranial pressure
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Chicago 60612.
Medical Hypotheses
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Space adaptation syndrome (SAS), affecting half of astronauts, may stem from elevated intracranial pressure due to fluid shifts in zero gravity. This hypothesis explains common SAS symptoms and influencing factors.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Neuroscience
- Human physiology
Background:
- Space adaptation syndrome (SAS) affects approximately 50% of astronauts.
- Symptoms include headache, malaise, vomiting, and vertigo.
- The underlying cause of SAS remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a hypothesis for the etiology of SAS.
- To investigate the role of elevated intracranial pressure in SAS.
- To explain SAS symptoms and influencing factors through a proposed mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of a proposed mechanism linking cephalad fluid shift to elevated intracranial pressure in microgravity.
- Interpretation of known SAS alleviating and exacerbating factors within the context of the proposed mechanism.
Main Results:
- A hypothesis is presented suggesting SAS is caused by elevated intracranial pressure.
- The cephalad fluid shift in zero gravity is proposed as the mechanism for increased intracranial pressure.
- This mechanism provides a framework for understanding SAS symptoms and variability.
Conclusions:
- Elevated intracranial pressure secondary to cephalad fluid shift is a plausible cause of space adaptation syndrome.
- The proposed mechanism offers a unified explanation for various aspects of SAS.
- Further research is warranted to validate this hypothesis and explore potential countermeasures.