Clinical neurology is the study of disease and dysfunction of the nervous system in our normal environment. Our normal environment is considered 1 atmosphere (atm) of pressure and has a gaseous composition of 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen.
Aerospace neurology focuses on the function of a normal nervous system exposed to environmental conditions other than those encountered in our normal standard conditions. Clinical considerations in these environments include the toxic effects of changes in atmospheric pressure, acceleration, and gravity. These environmental factors enter into considerations of safety when evaluating both aviators and potential passengers with neurological disease. This chapter provides an overview of the environmental factors encountered in aviation and space environments that are most implicated in neurological dysfunction. Following a review of the environmental factors, some consideration is given to neurological evaluation of both aviators and patients who are potential passengers on commercial flights.