Physiologic 'Transection' of the Brain Stem in Healthy Humans and the Neurologic Basis of Unconsciousness

Abstract

Investigation of the kinetic relationships of the symptom complex associated with abrupt onset ischemic insult of the central nervous system (CNS) in over 700 completely healthy humans has revealed considerable insight into the neurologic substrates underlying conscious function, its loss, and its recovery. Acceleration +G sub z -induced CNS ischemia of a magnitude to alter conscious function (G-LOC) is associated with loss of vision, postural motor control, and memory along with induction of myoclonic convulsions, dreaming, and transient confusion/disorientation. It is evident that regional ischemic differences are established within the CNS and these neurologic alterations suggest that a reversible physiologic 'transection' of the brain stem results from +G sub z - induced ischemia.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 10, 1990
Accession Number
ADA240122

Entities

People

  • James E. Whinnery

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Blood Flow
  • Brain
  • Brain Stem
  • Central Nervous System
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Consciousness Disorders
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Gravitational Fields
  • Kinetics
  • Nervous System
  • Neurobehavioral Manifestations
  • Perfusion
  • Seizures
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology