Aeromedical Evaluation for an F-16 Candidate with Incomplete Paraplegia.

Background: A candidate with paraplegia contacted the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Oslo, requesting a medical examination and medical certification for flying back seat on an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Thorough aeromedical examinations, including specialist evaluations, were initiated for the final decision to be made.

Case Report: Almost 13 yr earlier the candidate had acquired spinal cord damage at neurological level L1 after falling 4 m (13 ft) from out of a window.

Near-Infrared Spectra in Buccal Tissue as a Marker for Detection of Hypoxia.

Introduction: Hypoxia caused by high altitude exposure can impair cerebral and mental functions. Blood flow and oxygenation of the buccal tissue can be reliable markers to detect hypoxia. In this study, near infrared spectroscopy was used in combination with a novel optical probe to evaluate the applicability of the novel probe in measuring hypoxia markers in buccal tissue under a hypoxic condition.

Postural control and venous gas bubble formation during hypobaric exposure.

Background: Earlier studies have shown that acute hypoxia at simulated altitudes up to 18,000 ft affects postural control. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether this is caused by hypoxia or by other effects of reduced barometric pressure. Doppler monitoring was included to rule out venous gas emboli (VGE) as a possible cause of disturbed postural control.