“Is there a neurologist on this flight?”

Abstract

Purpose of reviewNeurologists are being asked to offer their services in response to in-flight medical conditions. This review updates the latest understanding of how neurologists should manage in-flight neurologic emergencies should they be called upon to serve. A review of the existing literature was conducted for sharing of best practices in this unique scenario.Recent findingsIn-flight neurologic emergencies are on the rise. This article provides a synthesis of current best practices for in-flight emergencies including epidemiology, airline responsibility, available health care equipment on jetliners, legal ramifications of helping, and pathophysiology of why in-flight neurologic emergencies are so common.SummaryIn-flight neurologic emergencies are common and all physicians are increasingly being asked to respond to in-flight emergencies. Understanding one's responsibility, available equipment, and how to best prevent these scenarios with one's own patients may help to make this complex situation more manageable.