Electroencephalographic Abnormalities in the Screening for Pilot Applicants in Korea

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Aerospace Medicine

Background:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) is a controversial screening tool for pilot selection.
• Its contribution to aviation safety remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate EEG abnormalities in Korean commercial pilot applicants.
• Determine the usefulness of EEG screening in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 740 unselected pilot applicants' EEG results.
• EEG recordings included hyperventilation and photic stimulation.

Main Results:

• 1.2% of applicants showed EEG abnormalities.
• 0.4% exhibited epileptiform discharges, with 0.3% diagnosed with epilepsy.
• Two applicants with generalized spike-and-wave complexes had a history of seizures.

Conclusions:

• Routine EEG screening identified epilepsy in 0.3% of unselected pilot applicants.
• EEG's low predictive value without clinical history questions cost-effectiveness.
• Suggests a targeted EEG screening approach for pilots with epilepsy risk factors.