Persian Gulf illnesses: preliminary neurological impressions

We review the initial impressions of the first 65 patients evaluated neurologically at Madigan Army Medical Center as mandated by the Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program of the Department of Defense for Persian Gulf veterans. No consistent patterns of neurologic disease or new neurologic syndromes emerged. Our experience suggests that full neurological evaluation of such patients without a clear history of neurological symptoms is not cost effective. Headaches and sleep difficulties were the two most frequent complaints. We suggest that sleep disorders may be underdiagnosed in active duty populations.