On aeromedical evaluation of 16 cases of aircrews (students) with traumatic brain injury and standard discussion

Objective To explore the aeromedical evaluation standard of the aircrews with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods The clinic data of 16 cases of aircrews (students) with TBI were analyzed and related literatures were reviewed. Results In 16 TBI cases, the severe took 5 cases while the moderate and the mild was 2 and 9 respectively. The medical evaluation concluded 8 qualified cases and 1 temporarily grounding. The rest 7 were disqualified. ①Four of 5 severe TBI cases had cerebral contusion: one was complicated by intracranial hematoma and he suffered post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) by a traumatic brain injury 10 years later, one was combined with skull fracture, facial nerve and acoustic nerve damage, one was with olfactory nerve damage, and one was with epidural hematoma. The rest 1 had epidural hematoma combined with skull fracture. One case was qualified, 1 was temporarily grounding and 3 were disqualified. ②Two moderate cases had the lost consciousness experience for 30 min to 24 h. One had post-traumatic brain injury syndrome (PTBIS). One case was qualified and another one disqualified. ③Four of 9 mild cases were conscious, but 3 of them had PTBIS. Other five cases were unconsciousness within 30 min. Two of them had PTBIS and 1 had PTE. Six mild cases were qualified and another 3 were disqualified. Conclusions TBI aeromedical evaluation should be individually decided according to the severity, sequel and refer to aircraft type, duty in flight, experience and personal desire, as well as the related standards. Key words: Craniocerebral trauma; Eligibility determination; Aerospace medicine; Aircrews