Hybrid technique of magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography to assess the structural and functional features of the brain in flight school cadets during primary medical flight examination

This study conducted a functional assessment of the results of magnetic resonance imaging in comparison with electroencephalography of 348 young pilots of the Higher Military Pilot School named after the Hero of the Soviet Union A.K. Serov who were deemed “healthy” during the medical flight commission. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed expansion of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces of varying degrees and localization in 41(11.8%) pilots after the medical flight commission, which is a contraindication for flight service. However, many congenital structural features of the brain detected by magnetic resonance imaging are normal anatomical variants. When deciphering all electroencephalograms, deviations from the norm were noted in 41(11.5%) cases, including α- and β-rhythms. In 1 (0.3%) patient, changes were also detected by magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography. Deviations in electroencephalograms were not associated with the changes detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Thus, the detected changes in the electroencephalograms of 1 (0.3%) pilot had not clear effects, and magnetic resonance imaging detected cerebrospinal fluid space expansion up to 10 mm in the retrocerebellar region. The study emphasized the need to clarify the techniques in medical flight commission in relation to flight personnel with such “findings” to objectively predict the real risk in relation to further service. Therefore, additional studies in young pilots with identified characteristics are necessary by comparing magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalogram findings with respect to exercise testing, mental function, and learning potential.