Detection of Latent Epilepsy in Aircrew Candidates,
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common medical disorder, with a prevalence of 0. 5% - 0.8%, and is the commonest cause of accidents due to medical incapacity in drivers. Although imperfect, the Electroencephalograph (E.E.G.) is useful in the detection of a latent predisposition to epilepsy, and is recommended as an obligatory part of the initial medical examination of candidates for military aircrew. Epilepsy is the commonest medical disorder likely to cause sudden, unheralded total incapacity. In certain occupations, for example professional drivers or pilots, the occurrence of an epileptic seizure would almost inevitably lead to an accident with risk of loss of life and material loss. In a study of 1605 non-fatal accidents1 reported to the police in which a medical disorder affecting the driver was considered to be the cause, 38% were due to a witnessed epileptic seizure, and a further 23% were caused by a sudden loss of consciousness of uncertain aetiology. An associated follow-up study of this latter group revealed that a large proportion were subsequently diagnosed as suffering from epilepsy. Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (17%), all heart disorders (10%), and stroke (8%) were other important related medical disorders. (js)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADP006110
Entities
People
- R. T. Merry
Organizations
- AGARD