AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference-259668

259668 - Article 7

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The AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference included a presentation by Tara Sharma, DO MS, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington, focusing on air travel post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). The presentation examined the implications of air travel on TBI recovery, evaluated the FAA guidelines on post-TBI air travel, and explored risks such as neurological sequelae and post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) that may impact air travel safety.<br /><br />Key conclusions were that air travel does not significantly impact concussion recovery or symptom severity. However, further exploration into early or long-haul flights is needed. The presentation highlighted considerations for pilots with TBI, such as potential exacerbations due to hypoxia or other stressors inherent in flight.<br /><br />The FAA's criteria for different TBI severities (mild, moderate, severe) include specific benchmarks and recovery periods for allowing individuals to return to flight duties. For severe TBI, a minimum of 5-10 years is generally required before reconsideration for flight duties, dependent on the absence of neurocognitive or neurological deficits.<br /><br />Neuropsychological testing is emphasized for determining the extent of injury and impacts on cognitive function, taking into account additional factors like anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. The risk of post-traumatic epilepsy varies with injury severity, and air travel was observed to possibly increase post-flight seizure activity in some cases.<br /><br />For pilots with TBI, hypoxia during flight can significantly impair precision in performance tasks, exacerbating existing symptoms. Studies highlighted reduced oxygen saturation, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments during flights, supporting cautious assessment in permitting TBI-affected pilots to return to flying.<br /><br />Overall, the presentation stressed the need for additional research to better understand the specific impacts of TBI on air travel and to refine health and safety guidelines for affected individuals.

Keywords

AOCOPM 2023

Tara Sharma

post-traumatic brain injury

air travel

FAA guidelines

neurological sequelae

post-traumatic epilepsy

hypoxia

neuropsychological testing

cognitive function