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.
Authors
- Alejandro Rabinstein
- W. David Freeman
- Giselle Coelho
Institutions
- Jacksonville College (US)
- Mayo Clinic in Arizona (US)
- Mayo Clinic in Florida (US)
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
- 0.00