Routine electroencephalograms of pilots later killed in crashes: a case-control study.
BACKGROUND
The value of the electroencephalogram (EEG) as a screening tool in aviation medicine is subject to debate. We evaluated the use of periodic repetition of the EEG--after an initial EEG screening-in healthy, fully-licensed pilots to identify risk factors for fatal air crashes.


METHODS
In a nested case-control study, we compared the EEG patterns of 33 pilots who died in military aviation accidents from 1990 to 2001 with the recordings of 66 controls. Cases and controls were matched for potentially confounding factors such as age, military membership, type of aircraft, and aeronautical experience.


RESULTS
Both groups presented normal EEGs. EEG findings in cases and controls did not differ; nonspecific EEG abnormalities did not occur more frequently in those pilots who crashed.


CONCLUSIONS
After an initial EEG screening, periodic repetition of the EEG is not a useful means to detect risk for fatal air crashes.
Weber
Frank
F
German Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Fürstenfeldbruck. FrankWeber@bundeswehr.org
D000060:Accidents, Aviation / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D012307:Risk Factors