When traveling in space, the phenomenon of space travel, usually romanticized for magically distorted visions, is thought to have an unexpected side effect – headaches. As the scenario unfolds, new research suggests that astronauts who have never experienced headaches may develop headaches during extended space flights (more than 10 days). Criminal? Lack of gravity, other than being bodily debilitating, can also cause depression and different aspect outcomes like nausea and dizziness.
Neurology: The Journal of the American Academy of Neurology posted a take look wherein it turned into determined that weightlessness may be liable for the balance system and the mind’s capability to preserve itself in balance. This issue highlights the discrepancy between the anticipated and actual state of the senses that triggers space motion sickness. It is also known as superaltitude sickness, in which headache is the characteristic symptom, typically over a week.
Dr. WPJ van Oosterhout, lead author of the study, proposes another factor: rapid fluctuations in brain size during long trips in space. This increase in intensity may be one of the causes of headaches, primarily tension-type headaches.
The study focused on 24 astronauts from different space agencies throughout their redeployed 26-week stay on the International Space Station between 2011 and 2018. Additionally, it was surprising to learn that of the 12 astronauts who reported suffering from headaches before the mission, none did. No incidence of migraine was reported.
There was a time when thinking and talking about home seemed like a universe. Space changed the story Surprisingly, 92% of the crew aboard the mission complained of headaches – considered the most common symptom among astronauts – while only 38% of Earth’s population experiences headaches. In my experience, tension headaches had the highest frequency at 90% of all headaches. The typical pain of migraine however affects (10%).
Good News? However, while back on Earth, he felt no more headache than before. The astronauts reported no headaches after three months.
This study brings new insights and highlights the need to take neglected studies seriously. Identifying the known cause behind “space headaches” could not only improve the well-being of astronauts but also give us information about terrestrial headaches. Furthermore, there is a need to improve not only the performance of the treatments which are different from Earth’s environment but also the performance of the crew.
The study does not definitively demonstrate that the condition is dependent on space travel but lays the groundwork for an association. On the other hand, several obstacles also arise, including the fact that the data depends entirely on the astronauts’ account.
