United States Department of Transportation
i
Prevalence of Anti-epileptic Drugs found in Aviation Cases between 2000 and 2017
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2020-12-01
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[PDF-911.20 KB]
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Abstract:Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are a group of drugs used for the treatment of epilepsy and other medical conditions, such as neuropathic pain, bipolar disorder, or migraine headaches. Many of the AEDs carry potential impairing risks because of their central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects. Therefore, the Forensic Sciences Section (FSS) of the Federal Aviation Administration conducted a study to evaluate the prevalence of AEDs in aviation accidents from 2000 - 2017. During this 18-year time period, the FSS performed toxicology analysis on 5,996 biological specimens from aviation accidents. The toxicological evaluation revealed that 2,480 cases (41%) were positive for one or more drugs with AEDs detected in 52 cases. These cases involve 44 pilots, co-pilots, or flight instructors; six passengers; one crew member; and one parachutist. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is responsible for obtaining pertinent medical history of pilots involved in accidents and determining the probable cause of aviation accidents. According to the NTSB case reports, the use of drugs or a medical condition was determined to be the cause or contributing factor in 13 of the 36 completed cases. The medical histories from the NTSB case reports revealed that nine airmen were in fact taking an AED for various medical conditions, including seizures. None of the airmen reported the use of an AED or medical condition associated with an AED on their most recent FAA medical exam. The present study disclosed that the prevalence of AEDs in aviation cases received by the FSS was less than 1% for 2000 - 2017. Although the overall prevalence of AEDs is low, airmen should be educated on the CNS depressant effects associated with taking an AED that can affect flying.
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Content Notes:Aerospace Medical Research Division (AAM-600) Project No. 2009- AAM-611-CHE-10011
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