Headaches Become More Common for Astronauts in Space

A recent study published in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology on March 13, 2024, has revealed that astronauts may experience headaches, including migraines and tension-type headaches, during prolonged space missions, even if they have no prior history of these conditions. The research underscores the impact of space travel on the human body, particularly in environments of zero gravity.
The investigation, led by W. P. J. van Oosterhout, MD, PhD, from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, suggests that the unique conditions of space flight, such as altered gravity, may influence various bodily functions and lead to increased intracranial pressure, potentially causing headaches. The study involved 24 astronauts from agencies including the European Space Agency, NASA, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, who participated in International Space Station expeditions ranging up to 26 weeks between November 2011 and June 2018.
Findings indicated that out of the 24 astronauts, 22 experienced headaches during their missions, totaling 378 headaches over 3,596 days in space. Notably, 92% of participants reported headaches during flight, a significant increase from the 38% who experienced headaches prior to their missions. The majority of these headaches were identified as tension-type (90%), with the remainder classified as migraines (10%).
The research also highlighted that the initial week of space flight was marked by a higher intensity of headaches, with migraines becoming more prevalent. Despite these findings, astronauts did not report headaches in the three months following their return to Earth.
This study points to a need for further investigation into the causes of space-induced headaches and the development of more effective treatments. Although it establishes a correlation between space travel and the occurrence of headaches, it does not definitively prove causation. The self-reported nature of the symptoms by the astronauts is a noted limitation of the study, potentially affecting the accuracy of the data.

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