Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Sep 2003
Case ReportsDelayed-onset cerebral arterial gas embolism in a commercial airline mechanic.
A commercial airline mechanic was evaluated for right-sided hemianesthesia. Thorough diagnostic testing failed to identify a definitive etiology, and the mechanic was assessed as having symptoms of a left internal capsule lesion, likely from an ischemic event. On day 12 after symptom onset, he consulted a diving medicine specialist for clearance to continue recreational scuba diving. ⋯ On day 13 he was treated with hyperbaric oxygen using Treatment Table VI, which produced immediate relief. Following three additional hyperbaric oxygen treatments in the next 11 d, he reported nearly total resolution of his symptoms. This occurrence is believed to be the second report of a cerebral arterial gas embolism in an aircraft mechanic or maintenance crewman and suggests that the latency between time of depressurization and the development of symptoms from a pulmonary barotrauma-induced cerebral arterial gas embolism may extend longer than previously believed.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Sep 2003
Clinical TrialSuppression of sickness by controlled breathing during mildly nauseogenic motion.
Anecdotal reports from aviators indicate that controlled breathing is used as a countermeasure for motion sickness. We report a trial on the effectiveness of focused, regular breathing on motion sickness. ⋯ Controlled breathing may be effective for controlling nausea.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Aug 2003
Heated socks maintain toe temperature but not always skin blood flow as mean skin temperature falls.
This study was conducted to examine whether toe skin blood flow (Q(toe)) could be maintained in subjects exposed to cold air by warming the foot using a heated sock. ⋯ Heated socks cannot be relied on to maintain Q(toe) or to prevent non-freezing cold injuries during prolonged exposure to cold conditions.
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Commercial airline pilots are exposed to cosmic radiation and other potentially carcinogenic elements during work and leisure activities. ⋯ This large study, based on reliable cancer incidence data, showed an increased incidence of skin cancer. It did not indicate a marked increase in cancer risk attributable to cosmic radiation although some influence of cosmic radiation on skin cancer cannot be entirely excluded.
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This report describes two cases of Chiari Malformation Type I (Chiari-I) in fighter pilots of the Turkish Air Force. Chiari-I is a congenital malformation characterized by herniation of cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Patients have symptoms and signs related to dysfunction of the brainstem, spinal cord, and cerebellum. ⋯ Furthermore, these pilots had successfully completed physiological training, including centrifuge training, without any symptoms. However, they suffered from headache, neck spasms, and/or disequilibrium under +Gz during flight training sorties. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, possibility of acquired cases, and aeromedical disposition of Chiari malformations are discussed.