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Review
. 2017 Oct;264(Suppl 1):18-22.
doi: 10.1007/s00415-017-8427-x. Epub 2017 Mar 7.

The effect of spaceflight and microgravity on the human brain

Angelique Van Ombergen  1   2   3 , Athena Demertzi  4   5 , Elena Tomilovskaya  6 , Ben Jeurissen  7 , Jan Sijbers  7 , Inessa B Kozlovskaya  6 , Paul M Parizel  8 , Paul H Van de Heyning  1   2 , Stefan Sunaert  9 , Steven Laureys  4 , Floris L Wuyts  10   11   12
Affiliations
Review

The effect of spaceflight and microgravity on the human brain

Angelique Van Ombergen et al. J Neurol. 2017 Oct.

Abstract

Microgravity, confinement, isolation, and immobilization are just some of the features astronauts have to cope with during space missions. Consequently, long-duration space travel can have detrimental effects on human physiology. Although research has focused on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system in particular, the exact impact of spaceflight on the human central nervous system remains to be determined. Previous studies have reported psychological problems, cephalic fluid shifts, neurovestibular problems, and cognitive alterations, but there is paucity in the knowledge of the underlying neural substrates. Previous space analogue studies and preliminary spaceflight studies have shown an involvement of the cerebellum, cortical sensorimotor, and somatosensory areas and the vestibular pathways. Extending this knowledge is crucial, especially in view of long-duration interplanetary missions (e.g., Mars missions) and space tourism. In addition, the acquired insight could be relevant for vestibular patients, patients with neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the elderly population, coping with multisensory deficit syndromes, immobilization, and inactivity.

Keywords: Bed rest; Brain; Central nervous system; Dry immersion; EEG; Human spaceflight; MRI; Microgravity; Neuroplasticity; Parabolic flight.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

None declared.

Ethical standards

The manuscript does not contain clinical studies or patient data.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Typical flight trajectory of a parabolic flight for 0 g parabola’s
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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