Medical Effects of Roller coasters

Ears

• A report by Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital connects roller coaster rides with ear barotraumas. Ear barotrauma is a condition that occurs due to a abrupt change in air pressure that results from changes in the middle ear pressure and affects the eardrum.. The report by the hospital had a 24-year-old man suffering from ear barotrauma after a ride on a roller coaster at speeds of 120 miles per. 36 hours after the ride, the patient experienced pain and in his right ear. A physical examination showed the right ear suffered damage including swelling in the ear canal and tenderness of the eardrum. The right ear received the full force of the roller coaster motion as the individual had kept his head twisted during the ride.

Pregnancy

• The sudden stops and starts of roller coaster rides that occur during the ride are concerns to pregnant women. This intensity of roller coaster rides generates additional pressure inside the uterus, which can lead to placental abruption. Placental abruption is the condition where the placenta separates from the uterus wall before time, disrupting oxygen and blood flow to the foetus.

Other Effects

• On a roller coaster ride, the human body is vulnerable to gravitational forces, which push and pull the rider's body. During rapid motions, the gravitational force can cause the blood that flows to our brain and eyes to stop, which results in short-term blackouts and blindness. There are also reports of spine injuries including the tearing of the tissue around the spine called vertebral disk herniation, and bruises, resulting from roller coaster rides.

G-Forces

The reason that makes roller coasters so adrenalin-pumping is g-forces. Gravitational forces pull and push you in your seat, and give you a taste of force greater than gravity. However, g-forces can be especially bad for the body. There are many effects of G-forces:

• , where the vision loses hue, easily reversible on leveling out. 
• , where peripheral vision is progressively lost.
• Blackout, a loss of vision while consciousness is maintained, caused by a lack of blood to the head.
•  a loss of consciousness
• , if g-forces are not quickly reduced, death can occur.