EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 4 PM ET, June 24, 2002

Is There a Neurologist on this Flight?

The Incidence of In-Flight Seizures and Other Neurological Symptoms

St. Paul, Minn. -

Neurological symptoms are the most common medical complaint requiring air-to-ground medical support, second only to cardiovascular problems for emergency landings, according to a study published in the June 25 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology. These study findings were part of an assessment to determine if anti-epileptic drugs should be included in emergency medical kits aboard commercial jets. Researchers at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, analyzed medical air-to-ground consultations of a major U.S. airline that flies 50 million, or 10 percent, of all U.S. passengers per year. Mayo routinely provides real-time, in-flight consultation to this airline. From 1995 to 2000, there were 2,042 medical incidents, with 312 emergency landings (diversions). Neurological symptoms accounted for the single largest category of medical complaints, with 626 calls (31 percent), resulting in 107 (34%) of the 312 diversions. Dizziness/vertigo was the most common symptom addressed, with seizures and dizziness/vertigo the most common neurological reasons associated with a diversion. “Not only did we discover that neurological symptoms account for a significant percent of emergency medical diversions,” says study author Joseph Sirven, MD, of Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, “We can also now support our recommendation that major airlines carry anti-epileptic drugs in their emergency medical kits.” In addition to causing headaches for airlines and passengers, emergency medical landings are costly. Without taking into account ground ambulance and hospital care, the cost for neurological-related diversions amounts to nearly $9 million a year for U.S. airlines, according to Sirven. “Given the high cost and inconvenience associated with emergency landings, we would also like to encourage more public health education, as well as flight crew training, to improve in-flight neurological care,” Sirven said.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

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Editor's Notes: Dr. Sirven presented this research at the AAN''''s 54th Annual Meeting in Denver in April. The June 25, 2002 issue of Neurology also features a related editorial on "In-flight Neurological Emergencies" by Arthur Moss, MD, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, and William T. Longstreth Jr., MD, University of Washington, Seattle.