Discovery, recognition and prevention of aircrew epilepsy

Objective To provide the reference materials for the discovery, recognition and prevention of aircrew epilepsy. Methods Clinical data on 10 aircrews with epilepsy diagnosed in our hospital in 1996-2008 were reviewed. Results The average age of aircrews with epilepsy was 31.7±7.01 years. Of the 10 aircrews with epilepsy, 5 had secondary epilepsy, 4 had head trauma-induced epilepsy. The 10 aircrews had a typical epilepsy history. EEG showed epilepsy waves in 4, EEG showed focal and local slow or lazy waves in 3, and EEG was normal in 3 aircrews, respectively. Conclusion Epilepsy history should be carefully investigated when aircrews are recruited and head trauma of aircrews should be prevented.