The effect of spaceflight and microgravity on the human brain

• Published in: Journal of neurology Vol. 264; no. Suppl 1; pp. 18 - 22
• Main Authors: Van Ombergen, Angelique, Demertzi, Athena, Tomilovskaya, Elena, Jeurissen, Ben, Sijbers, Jan, Kozlovskaya, Inessa B., Parizel, Paul M., Van de Heyning, Paul H., Sunaert, Stefan, Laureys, Steven, Wuyts, Floris L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.10.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - physiology; Central nervous system; Cerebellum; Cognitive ability; Geriatrics; Humans; Immobilization; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Microgravity; Musculoskeletal system; Neurodegenerative diseases; Neurology; Neuroradiology; Neurosciences; Older people; Original Communication; Sensorimotor system; Somatosensory cortex; Space Flight; Tourism; Vestibular system; Weightlessness; Parabolic flight; Neuroplasticity; Brain; MRI; EEG; Central nervous system; Dry immersion; Human spaceflight; Bed rest; Microgravity
• ISSN: 0340-5354; 1432-1459; 1432-1459
• DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8427-x

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.