This book brings the neurosciences to operational and clinical aviation medicine. It is concerned with the physiology and pathology of circadian rhythmicity, orientation, hypotension and hypoxia, and with disorders of the central nervous system relevant to the practice of aviation medicine.

The chapters on circadian rhythmicity and orientation deal with the impaired alertness and sleep disturbance associated with desynchrony and with the effects of linear and angular accelerations on spatial awareness. Hypotension and hypoxia cover cerebral function during increased gravitational stress, clinical aspects of exposure to acute hypoxia, the mild hypoxia of the cabin of transport aircraft, adaptation and acclimatization to altitude and decompression at extreme altitudes and in space.

Disorders of particular significance to the practice of aviation medicine such as excessive daytime sleepiness, epilepsy, syncope, hypoglycaemia, headache and traumatic brain injury are covered, while neuro-ophthalmology, the vestibular system and hearing also receive detailed attention. The potentially adverse effects of the aviation environment and of disorders of the nervous system are brought together, and the text covers the neurological examination as it relates to aircrew and explores current management and therapeutics.

The Neurosciences and the Practice of Aviation Medicine is an essential work for those involved in the practice of aviation medicine where familiarity with the effects of the aviation environment on the nervous system and understanding the pathophysiology of relevant clinical disorders are of prime concern. The authors from leading centres of excellence are physiologists concerned with the aviation environment and physicians involved in the day-to-day practice of medicine. They bring to this authoritative text wide experience and expertise in both the experimental and clinical neurosciences.

Contents: Foreword, Lord Owen; Preface; Wakefulness, awareness and consciousness, Anthony N. Nicholson; Circadian system and diurnal activity, Russell G. Foster; Aircrew and alertness, Anthony N. Nicholson and Michael B. Spencer; Spatial orientation and disorientation, J.R. Rollin Stott; Cerebral circulation and gravitational stress, Anthony N. Nicholson; Oxygen delivery and acute hypoxia: psychological and clinical considerations, Jane Ward; Hypobaric hypoxia: adaptation and acclimatization, John H. Coote and James S. Milledge; Profound hypoxia: extreme altitude and space, Anthony N. Nicholson; The neurological examination: aeromedical considerations, Michael D. O'Brien; Investigation of sleep and wakefulness in aircrew, Anthony N. Nicholson; Excessive daytime sleepiness: clinical considerations, Thomas C. Britton, Andrew R.C. Cummin and Anthony N. Nicholson; The diagnosis of epilepsy, Matthew C. Walker; Syncope: physiology, pathophysiology and aeromedical implications, David A. Low and Christopher J. Mathias; Hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia awareness, Simon R. Heller; Headache, Thomas C. Britton; Traumatic brain injury and aeromedical licensing, Garth S. Cruikshank; Neuro-opthalmology, Gordon T. Plant; Vestibular and related oculomotor disorders, Nicholas J. Cutfield and Adolfo M. Bronstein; Disorders of hearing, Linda M. Luxon and Ronald Hinchcliffe; Appendices; Index.

About the Editor: Anthony Nicholson graduated in medicine from the University of Birmingham. He is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of Edinburgh and London and of the Royal College of Pathologists, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, an Academician of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine and one time Vice-President of the Aerospace Medical Association. Air Commodore Nicholson was formerly the Commandant and Director of Research of the Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough, and, lately, the Visiting Professor (Aviation Medicine) at the Centre for Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London.

Reviews: 'The Editor and the assembled authors have accomplished a masterful task in relating the neurosciences to the practice of aviation medicine. This volume lays out the anatomical and functional basis in the nervous system for most of the neurological diagnoses which may be encountered in the care and qualification of those who would fly. From the neurological examination through common problems such as headache, vision and hearing reduction, hypoxia and disorientation, to the more complicated states of sleep, wakefulness, consciousness and awareness of the airman, the causes are outlined and then the reader is led to the qualification decision. This volume should be a welcome addition to the library of all the disciplines involved in Aviation Medicine, and particularly to physicians in the practice of aviation medicine.'
Charles Berry, Past President, Aerospace Medical Association

'The Editor has brought together a very distinguished group of some seventeen co-authors, and, from a vantage point of over fifty years in defining the arena of neurosciences in aviation medicine, has created a volume that spans the field in its entirety, as known today. It will surely join the pantheon of major textbooks in both of these fields. The chapters cover the basics of neuroscience, the physiology and clinical applications to flight. It is copiously referenced and well illustrated with figures and tables to help clarify technical points. Of special interest to the clinician are the chapters dealing with neurological disorders and their application to the aeromedical disposition of all those who fly, and will be the definitive reference for many years to come.'
Yehezkel (Geoff) Caine, Past President, International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine

'This textbook provides the highest level of current knowledge in aviation-related human physiology and physiopathology involving the neurosciences. It reviews the classical stresses associated with flight and brings up to date the neurological and sensory disorders in an aeromedical context. Authored by the most eminent British experts in these fields, this book will be a classic, an essential companion to students training for higher qualifications, and to practitioners in charge of the care of aircrew and the medical assessment of fitness to fly.'
Jean-Pierre Crance, University of Nancy, France

'The Neurosciences and the Practice of Aviation Medicine is a must document for the aviation medicine practitioner, adviser and the specialist in human factors. It brings best scientific knowledge to the aeromedical examiner as well as to regulatory bodies and managers of scientific programmes. The book provides an excellent scientific basis to safety related topics such as flight and duty time regulations. It is highly recommended reading for non-medical human factors specialists involved in research, teaching and accident investigation with its state of the art information on aircrew alertness, wakefulness and disorientation.'
Gábor Hardicsay, Chief Medical Officer, Civil Aviation Authority, Hungary

'The Neurosciences and the Practice of Aviation Medicine departs from the traditional approach to aviation medicine, delving more into where neurology and the special senses interact with the flight environment. This text will serve both as a valuable information source for students and practitioners wishing to read at a deeper level, and as a reference for those undertaking more specialized research.'
David Powell, Chief Medical Officer, Air New Zealand

'This textbook presents the neurosciences in simple language thus making a subject that is often perceived as confusing and complex, easy to understand. The approach of highlighting the operational implications and aeromedical significance of each topic is particularly valuable to the aviation medicine practitioner. Incorporating the historical element in literature and scientific review provides a holistic coverage of the subject matter discussed.'
Jarnail Singh, Civil Aviation Medical Board, Singapore

'The Neurosciences and the Practice of Aviation Medicine is a well-written, properly illustrated and practical textbook. The aeromedical practitioner will find in the same book the impairments of neurological function that may arise from the interaction of aircrew with the air domain as well as the clinical information necessary to properly look after aircrew with neurological disorders. Add an extensive bibliography of case reports of neurological disorders in aircrew to this information and it makes this book a must in any aeromedical library.'
Claude Thibeault, Past President, International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine

'A very interesting book on clinical neurology and operational aviation medicine. The book is focused on neurological problems in aviation medicine from clinical to operational practice, but is not limited to these issues. Basic knowledge in visual, vestibular and hearing function and their aeromedical considerations are included. It also covers topics, such as sleep, circadian rhythmicity, hypoxia, hypotension and hypoglycaemia and their relation to aviation safety. Adhering to a consistent style, the authors pay attention to background and basic knowledge and provide detailed references. It should be a very useful reference book for those who are interested in aviation medicine and aviation safety.'
Zuoming Zhang, Medical University, Xi'an, China

Extracts from this title are available to view:

Full contents list

Preface

Index