Can I Become an Airline Pilot with a History of Confusional Migraines?

[elliotedsmith]

Hi everyone,

I'm nearly 24 years old and eager to start my PPL training. However, I'm concerned about a history of acute confusional migraines that I experienced in my late teens. I had three episodes during that time and one more when I was 20, but I haven't had any symptoms or episodes since then.

Before I pay for the training and undergo the required medical test, I was wondering if anyone here has experience or knowledge about this condition in relation to becoming an airline pilot.

For those unfamiliar, acute confusional migraines are a rare form of migraine that primarily affects adolescents, causing sudden confusion, disorientation, and sometimes amnesia. They can be quite alarming, but in my case, they were temporary, and I haven't had any issues in the past 3 years.

I would really appreciate any insights or advice on whether this could impact my chances of passing the medical exam and pursuing a career as a pilot. Thanks in advance for your help!

Elliot

 

[flyingron]

It's going to result in a deferral. You're going to need to submit detailed neurological evaluation and a recent brain MRI to Joklahoma City for evaluation.

 

[bbchien]

I would wait one more year. Five years no events is nearly magical @ FAA, fir “Vascular migraine affecting the dominamt parietsal lobe of the brai,

It’ll probably take them a year to get your file to the FAS consultant that will be called to opine on your file.

At 5 years if the neurologist is favorable and the MRI is negative, the case will likly never go to Washington!

Flying Ron calls it joklahoma city, but if your file goes to DC you will wish your file was there….