The G-LOC (Loss of Consciousness) Syndrome

Description

High G-forces can decrease blood flow to the brain sufficient for the person to lose consciousness, a condition termed the G-LOC (Loss of Consciousness) Syndrome. This is an important cause of loss of military aircraft. A pilot who experiences G-LOC should not be disqualified since recovery is complete without residuals.

Stages of the G-LOC syndrome:

(1) exposure to G force with normal consciousness and function

(2) loss of consciousness, initial phase

(3) loss of consciousness, late phase

(4) recovering phase with relative residual disability

(5) return to full consciousness and function (normalization)

Parameters:

(1) consciousness

(2) functional capacity (incapacitation or disability)

(3) orientation

(4) memory

(5) vision

(6) motor function

(7) convulsive activity

Parameter	pre-LOC	initial LOC	late LOC	recovering	fully recovered
conscious	fully	unconscious	unconscious	conscious	conscious
functional capacity	full	absolutely disabled	absolutely disabled	relatively disabled	full
orientation	normal	none	none	confused and dis-oriented	normal
memory	full	none	dream period and returning memory	present but use may be distorted	full
vision	normal	none	returning	present	normal
motor function	normal	none	myoclonic jerking	present	normal
convulsive activity	none	none	may occur	none	none

The total period of incapacitation encompasses the period with loss of consciousness and recovering function.

Differential diagnosis:

(1) stroke

(2) seizure disorder

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10