Neurologic - Headaches

Apr 2014

Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide, FAA and FDA web data (www.FAA.gov & www.FDA.gov), instructions specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual, Federal Air Surgeon Bulletins from 1999-2015, and 14 CFR Part 61 and Part 67 (the FARs).

Item 46. Neurologic - Headaches19

DISEASE/CONDITION

CLASS

EVALUATION DATA

DISPOSITION

Atypical Facial Pain All Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, to include name and dosage of medication(s) and side effects Requires FAA Decision
Ocular or complicated migraine All Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, to include characteristics, frequency, severity, associated with neurologic phenomena, name and dosage of medication(s) and side effects Requires FAA Decision
Migraines, Chronic Tension or Cluster Headaches All Review all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, to include characteristics, frequency, severity, associated with neurologic phenomena, and name and dosage of medication(s) and side effects See Migraine and Chronic Headache Worksheet (PDF version). If airman meets all certification criteria - Issue.

All others require FAA decision. Submit all evaluation data.

Initial Special Issuance - Requires FAA Decision

Followup Special
Issuances
- See AASI Protocol
Post-traumatic Headache All Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, name and dosage of medication(s) and side effects Requires FAA Decision

19 Pain, in some conditions, may be acutely incapacitating. Chronic recurring headaches or pain syndromes often require medication for relief or prophylaxis, and, in most instances, the use of such medications are disqualifying because they may interfere with a pilot's alertness and functioning. The Examiner may issue a medical certificate to an applicant with a long-standing history of headaches if mild, seldom requiring more than simple analgesics, occur infrequently, are not incapacitating, and are not associated with neurological stigmata.


This page discussed the Headaches portion of the Neurologic section of the Fight Physical Examination required of pilots.


Reminder: use FlightPhysical.com to familiarize yourself with aviation medical regulations and guidelines, but always discuss your specific situation with one or more AMEs before dedicating resources toward expensive clinical workups. Find an AME now