Acceleration Induced Loss of Consciousness. A Review of 500 Episodes

Abstract

Unconsciousness resulting from exposure to increased levels of head- to-foot (+Gz) acceleration stress (501 unconsciousness episodes) on a human centrifuge in asymptomatic, healthy subjects was investigated. A method for quantitatively measuring the kinetics of the unconsciousness and associated phenomenon was developed. In addition, a theoretical framework for describing the central nervous system (CNS) alteration resulting from acute reduction of blood flow was formulated to allow a method for defining unconsciousness phenomenon. The length of unconsciousness and the associated incapacitation was found to be dependent on the magnitude of the CNS insult resulting from reduced blood flow. The magnitude of the insult was determined by the onset and offset rate of the +Gz-stress and the length of time at increased +Gz. The incapacitation resulting from +Gz-stress included 11.9s of absolute incapacitation (unconsciousness) and 16s of relative incapacitation (confusion/ disorientation) for 28s of total incapacitation (period of time for lack of purposeful movement).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA220541

Entities

People

  • Angela M. Whinnery
  • James E. Whinnery

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Biomedical Research
  • Brain
  • Central Nervous System
  • Consciousness Disorders
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • G Suits
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Nervous System
  • Observers
  • Seizures
  • United States
  • Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Theoretical Analysis.