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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Coherence between Brain Cortical Function and Neurocognitive Performance during Changed Gravity Conditions
Published on: May 23, 2011
Neurological complications in microgravity and long duration spaceflight
Giselle Coelho1, Alejandro Rabinstein2, W David Freeman3
1STR-X, Simulation Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA. coelho.giselle@mayo.edu.
NPJ Microgravity
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Long space missions cause brain changes due to microgravity and other factors. Emerging countermeasures are discussed to protect astronauts' neurological health during exploration missions.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Long-duration spaceflight induces significant structural, functional, and hemodynamic brain alterations.
- Key stressors include microgravity, radiation, elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), and isolation.
- These changes can lead to Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, vestibular issues, orthostatic intolerance, and cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate current evidence on neurological changes during spaceflight.
- To present a cerebrovascular physiologic framework for understanding these alterations.
- To discuss emerging countermeasures for safeguarding astronaut neurological health.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing research on spaceflight-induced neurological effects.
- Development of a cerebrovascular physiologic model.
- Analysis of potential countermeasures like lower body negative pressure, artificial gravity, advanced neuromonitoring, and synthetic torpor.
Main Results:
- Spaceflight significantly impacts brain structure, function, and hemodynamics.
- A framework is presented to explain cerebrovascular responses to spaceflight stressors.
- Several novel countermeasures show promise for mitigating neurological risks.
Conclusions:
- Astronaut neurological health is significantly challenged by long-duration spaceflight.
- Understanding cerebrovascular physiology is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.
- Emerging technologies offer potential solutions for protecting the brain during future exploration missions.
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