Federal Aviation Administration

Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations

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  • |  Updated: 6:38 pm ET May 30, 2006

Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 46. Neurologic - Cerebrovascular Disease (including the brain stem) 15

Disease/Condition Class Evaluation Data Disposition
Cerebral Thrombosis;

Intracerebral or Subarachnoid Hemorrhage;

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
All Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, to include CHD Protocol, Brain MRI, Bilat carotid ultra sound, name and dosage of
medication(s) and side effects
Requires FAA Decision
Intracranial Aneurysm or Arteriovenous Malformation All Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, name and dosage of
medication(s) and side effects
Requires FAA Decision
Intracranial Tumor16 All Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, name and dosage of
medication(s) and side effects
Requires FAA Decision
Pseudotumor Cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) All Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, name and dosage of
medication(s) and side effects
Requires FAA Decision
15 Complete neurological evaluations supplemented with appropriate laboratory and imaging studies are required of applicants with the above conditions. Cerebral arteriography may be necessary for review in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

16 A variety of intracranial tumors, both malignant and benign, are capable of causing incapacitation directly by neurologic deficit or indirectly through recurrent symptomatology. Potential neurologic deficits include weakness, loss of sensation, ataxia, visual deficit, or mental impairment. Recurrent symptomatology may interfere with flight performance through mechanisms such as seizure, headaches, vertigo, visual disturbances, or confusion. A history or diagnosis of an intracranial tumor necessitates a complete neurological evaluation with appropriate laboratory and imaging studies before a determination of eligibility for medical certification can be established. An applicant with a history of benign supratentorial tumors may be considered favorably for medical certification by the FAA and returned to flying status after a minimum satisfactory convalescence of 1 year.