Astronauts have experienced all kinds of problems from living on the International Space Station (pictured) such as altered vision and extreme headaches
Astronauts have experienced all kinds of problems from living on the International Space Station (pictured) such as altered vision and extreme headaches

Using MRI scans, Dr Roberts evaluated brain changes, both during and after long-term bed rest. Results confirmed brain changes occurred during bed rest (stock image)
Using MRI scans, Dr Roberts evaluated brain changes, both during and after long-term bed rest. Results confirmed brain changes occurred during bed rest (stock image)

Researchers say astronauts may be at risk of 'significant' brain damage due to the effects of microgravity. 
In a new study, scientists have found that astronauts experience brain changes after just 90 days in microgravity - although they are unsure of the long-term damage that could be caused.
It's not just space junk and cosmic rays astronauts have to contend with on a mission to Mars. Researchers say they may be at risk of 'significant' brain damage due to the effects of microgravity (stock image)


It's not just space junk and cosmic rays astronauts have to contend with on a mission to Mars. Researchers say they may be at risk of 'significant' brain damage due to the effects of microgravity (stock image)

'What astronauts experience in space must be mitigated to produce safer space travel for the public', she said.'Exposure to the space environment has permanent effects on humans that we simply do not understand', said Dr Donna Roberts from the Medical University of South Carolina.
To describe the symptoms, Nasa coined the term visual impairment intracranial pressure syndrome, or VIIP Syndrome.
The cause of VIIP Syndrome is thought to be related to the redistribution of body fluid toward the head during long-term microgravity exposure, but the exact cause is unknown. 
The syndrome causes a build-up of fluid in the frontal and parietal lobes that control movement of the body.
In order to replicate the anatomy of the brain following spaceflight, researchers examined the brains and muscular responses of participants who stayed in bed for 90 days.
During this time they were required to keep their heads continuously tilted in a downward position to simulate the effects of microgravity.
Using MRI scans, Dr Roberts evaluated brain changes, both during and after long-term bed rest.
Results confirmed brain changes occurred during bed rest.



The crowding was worse for participants who were on longer bed rest.The scans revealed a 'crowding' occurrence at the top of the brain, with narrowing of the gyri and sulci - the bumps and depressions in the brain that give it its folded appearance.
The scans also showed evidence of brain shifting and a narrowing of the space between the top of the brain and the inner table of the skull.