The electroencephalography (EEG) is an important method to evaluate epileptic seizure and brain functions, and it is of great significance for screening aircrew with potential risks of seizure and thus reducing the incidence of airborne incapacitation events. There are cases of epileptic seizure and seizure attack during flight among military aircrew both at home and abroad. However, currently there is no detailed EEG standards for the selection of aircrew applicants and physical examination of military aircrew. This consensus of Chinese experts on electroencephalographic examination and identification criteria for military aircrew was compiled jointly by experts in the fields of aeromedicine, neurology, epilepsy, and neuro-electrophysiology, from Xijing Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University and PLA General Hospital. This consensus was formulated based on 287 relevant literatures from PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP, combined with guidelines in the fields of epilepsy and EEG and the clinical experiences of Chinese experts. The objectives of the consensus are to further clarify the definition of "normal EEG", "borderline EEG" and "abnormal EEG" for military aircrew, unify the criteria of EEG identification for military aircrew with high risk of incapacitation, and standardize the criteria of EEG examination for aeromedical identification for military aircrew. This consensus includes four sections: applicable population and quality requirements for EEG monitoring, standards for EEG interpretation, standards for medical decision based on EEG, and the treatment of "temporarily unqualified" aircrew, which aim to literature supports and practical expert opinions for the standardization and accuracy of aeromedical qualification of EEG in military aircrew.

military aircrew  /  epilepsy  /  electroencephalography