Motion sickness in military aircrews and candidates: Case series and implication for aeromedical selection and assessment

  Objective  To analyze cases with motion sickness in military aircrews and candidates, and put forward suggestions for aeromedical selection and assessment.

  Methods   Clinical data about 4 motion sickness aircrews/candidates admitted to the air force specialized medical center in June 2019 were analyzed. We reviewed relevant literatures and drew the conclusion of aeromedical assessment based on practical experience.

  Results   Among the 2 candidates for the medical examination of the pilot recruitment, one case of primary motion sickness was diagnosed due to levelⅡ° response to the Coriolis effect. Vestibular autorotation test indicated that the vestibular function was abnormal. He had a history of car sickness before the age of 12, and till now he still had car sickness symptoms while riding. His father also had a history of car sickness. One candidate of secondary motion sickness was diagnosed due to levelⅡ° response to the Coriolis effect. Car sickness symptoms started at the age of 16, and now the symptoms were more obvious. Among the two air stewards, one case of primary airsickness was diagnosed due to obvious airsickness symptoms appeared during flight training of taking-off and landing. She had a history of car sickness before the age of 12, and now motion sickness symptoms still existed when taking bus or plane. Her father, grandmother and sister also had a history of car sickness. She had level Ⅱ° response to the Coriolis effect, and did not complete Caloric test because of vomiting. The vestibular autorotation test and sensory organization test indicated that the vestibular function was abnormal. One steward with primary airsickness was diagnosed due to dizziness and nausea for many times during the flight. She had a history of car sickness before the age of 12, till now the symptoms of car sickness did not relieve. Her parents and sister also had a history of car sickness.

  Conclusion   Motion sickness should be regarded as an independent question when taking medical history. Modern detection technology should be used for accurate vestibular function assessment, and latest aeromedicine research should be referred to guide the assessment of motion sickness.