Cauta
Generic filters
Exact matches only
Filter by Custom Post Type

Neurosurgery and Manned Spaceflight

(1) Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford
(2) Department of Neurosurgery, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom

There has been a renewed interest in manned spaceflight due to endeavors by private and government agencies. Publicized goals include manned trips to or colonization of Mars. These missions will likely be of long duration, exceeding existing records for human exposure to extra-terrestrial conditions. Participants will be exposed to microgravity, temperature extremes, and radiation, all of which may adversely affect their physiology. Moreover, pathological mechanisms may differ from those of a terrestrial nature. Known central nervous system (CNS) changes occurring in space include rises in intracranial pressure and spinal unloading. Intracranial pressure increases are thought to occur due to cephalad re-distribution of body fluids secondary to microgravity exposure. Spinal unloading in microgravity results in potential degenerative changes to the bony vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and supportive musculature. These phenomena are poorly understood. Trauma is of highest concern due to its potential to seriously incapacitate crewmembers and compromise missions. Traumatic pathology may also be exacerbated in the setting of altered CNS physiology. Though there are no documented instances of CNS pathologies arising in space, existing diagnostic and treatment capabilities will be limited relative to those on Earth. In instances where neurosurgical intervention is required in space, it is not known whether open or endoscopic approaches are feasible. It is obvious that prevention of trauma and CNS pathology should be emphasized. Further research into neurosurgical pathology, its diagnosis, and treatment in space are required should exploratory or colonization missions be attempted.

Copyright © 2018 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

PMID: 30407580 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy531

Share on:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

S.C. TEAM4BRAIN S.R.L. utilizează fişiere de tip cookie pentru a personaliza și îmbunătăți experiența ta pe Website-ul nostru. Te informăm că ne-am actualizat politicile pentru a integra în acestea si în activitatea curentă a S.C. TEAM4BRAIN S.R.L. cele mai recente modificări propuse de Regulamentul (UE) 2016/679 privind protecția persoanelor fizice în ceea ce privește prelucrarea datelor cu caracter personal și privind libera circulație a acestor date. Înainte de a continua navigarea pe Website-ul nostru te rugăm să aloci timpul necesar pentru a citi și înțelege conținutul Politicii de Cookie. Prin continuarea navigării pe Website-ul nostru confirmi acceptarea utilizării fişierelor de tip cookie conform Politicii de Cookie. Nu uita totuși că poți modifica în orice moment setările acestor fişiere cookie urmând instrucțiunile din Politica de Cookie.

Privacy Settings saved!
Setari permisiuni

Cookie-urile sunt folosite pe acest site pentru a oferi cea mai bună experiență de utilizator. Dacă continuați, presupunem că sunteți de acord să primiți cookie-uri de pe acest site

Aceste cookie-uri sunt necesare pentru funcționarea site-ului web și nu pot fi dezactivate în sistemele noastre.

Pentru a utiliza acest site web folosim următoarele cookie-uri necesare din punct de vedere tehnic
  • wordpress_test_cookie
  • wordpress_logged_in_
  • wordpress_sec

Decline all Services
Accept all Services