Neurological complications in microgravity and long duration spaceflight

Long-duration spaceflight produces structural, functional, and hemodynamic brain changes driven by microgravity, radiation, elevated CO2, and isolation. Consequences include Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, vestibular imbalance, orthostatic intolerance, and cognitive disturbance. We consolidate current evidence, present a cerebrovascular physiologic framework, and discuss emerging countermeasures-including lower body negative pressure, artificial gravity, advanced neuromonitoring, and synthetic torpor-needed to safeguard neurological health on exploration-class missions.

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Publication Details

Journal
npj Microgravity
Published
2026-06-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00621-0
Primary Topic
Spaceflight effects on biology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Neurological complications in microgravity and long duration spaceflight

Alejandro Rabinstein, W. David Freeman, Giselle Coelho
npj Microgravity
Spaceflight effects on biology
article

Neurological complications in microgravity and long duration spaceflight

Alejandro Rabinstein, W. David Freeman, Giselle Coelho
article en

Abstract

Long-duration spaceflight produces structural, functional, and hemodynamic brain changes driven by microgravity, radiation, elevated CO2, and isolation. Consequences include Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, vestibular imbalance, orthostatic intolerance, and cognitive disturbance. We consolidate current evidence, present a cerebrovascular physiologic framework, and discuss emerging countermeasures-including lower body negative pressure, artificial gravity, advanced neuromonitoring, and synthetic torpor-needed to safeguard neurological health on exploration-class missions.

npj Microgravity
Jacksonville College (US), Mayo Clinic in Arizona (US), Mayo Clinic in Florida (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Spaceflight effects on biology
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