Federal Aviation Administration

Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations

  • Print
  • |  Updated: 6:40 pm ET May 30, 2006

Aerospace Medical Dispositions
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
Chronic Tension or Cluster Headaches 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 All Submit 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 Initial Special Issuance - Requires FAA Decision

Followup Special Issuance’s -
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.