FAINTING EPISODE

[dmlong]

I’m 38 years old, and recently while using a urinal in my office restroom, I had collapse. I was diagnosed as having a syncopal (fainting) spell. This was the first time it ever happen to me. I was wondering if this will have any negative effect on pursuing a career as a professional pilot.

Derrick

[My Flight Surgeon]

The Question 18b on form 8500-8 asks about faining or dizziness. It states " The applicant should describe characteristics of the episode; e.g., spinning or lightheadedness, frequency, factors leading up to and surrounding the episode, associated neurologic symptoms; e.g., headache, nausea, LOC, or paresthesias." You should take copies of all of the medical records related to the episode to the AME to review.

What you had sounds like "micturition syncope". It is not an uncommon problem and usually never recurs. Micturition syncope is caused by an abrupt decrease in stimulus to bladder stretch receptors causing reflex vasodilatation and hypotension. Depending on how comfortable the AME is with the explanation, he may issue the certificate. If he is not comfortable, he will defer the decision to the FAA. They may request further evaluation if that occurs. Assuming the evaluation is negative (which it should be with this history) they will probably issue you a certificate.

Here is a citation from JAMA http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/253/6/796 which shows there were no deaths or recurrent episodes of micturition syncope in a 15 month followup study. You might want to take this to the AME and have it available for submission to submit if he decides to defer to the FAA.

[dmlong]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

The Question 18b on form 8500-8 asks about faining or dizziness. It states " The applicant should describe characteristics of the episode; e.g., spinning or lightheadedness, frequency, factors leading up to and surrounding the episode, associated neurologic symptoms; e.g., headache, nausea, LOC, or paresthesias." You should take copies of all of the medical records related to the episode to the AME to review.

What you had sounds like "micturition syncope". It is not an uncommon problem and usually never recurs. Micturition syncope is caused by an abrupt decrease in stimulus to bladder stretch receptors causing reflex vasodilatation and hypotension. Depending on how comfortable the AME is with the explanation, he may issue the certificate. If he is not comfortable, he will defer the decision to the FAA. They may request further evaluation if that occurs. Assuming the evaluation is negative (which it should be with this history) they will probably issue you a certificate.

Thank for replying to my previous post. I appreciate the information.

A few days after applying for a 1st Class Medical Cert from a local AME last week, he decided to defer it to the FAA because of my fainting episode.

About how long does a process like this take when Med certificates are deferred to the FAA?

Also, does the same apply if I were to request a Second or Third Class Medical Certificate?

[My Flight Surgeon]

If he deferred, you will need to get copies of all of your medical records together and send them to the FAA in OKC. If they do not have the records, your application will wait for 3 weeks waiting for the records then they will send you a letter requesting medical information then wait for you to submit that. Once they get the info, it takes about 3-4 weeks for a decision.

[dmlong]

During a CFI ground training session in January of this year (08) I had collapsed again and was sent by ambulance to the local hospital.

This had happen before and it’s noted in my medical records in Oklahoma as being just a fainting spell. Those that witnessed my current collapse said that I had a seizure.

Right now, the instructors and managers here at the CFI school have grounded me until I get a letter from the FAA medical stating that I’m safe to continue my flight training.

For me to receive that letter, I need to send a letter from my doctor to the main FAA medical facility in Oklahoma, stating my current condition.

I guess they will review my situation and decide my fate.

I just want to know if I’m using the correct procedures, and what the FAA is going to do about my current medical situation.

Right now I’m scheduled for an EEG. Do you think I need an MRI scheduled?

[My Flight Surgeon]

You need the EEG, a brain imaging study (MRI is best) and a neurology consultation. Send all of those to OKC for their review.

[dmlong]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

You need the EEG, a brain imaging study (MRI is best) and a neurology consultation. Send all of those to OKC for their review.

Thank you Dr. Forred for your response.

[dmlong]

If my EEG and MRI results come back negative and I’m taking a medication that’s not allowed by the FAA, can they still ground me and if so, for how long?

[My Flight Surgeon]

You are grounded now and will be as long as you are taking medications that are not allowed. Whether or not you are grounded beyond that point is determined by hte medication you were taking, the reason you were on it, the results of the evaluation by hte neurologist and the diagnosis.