Csy Mon

Been diagnosed with Vertigo recently.
Have not flown, vacation and days off.
Will call in sick shortly and looking at Long Term Disability.
Had an MRI brain scan, waiting for the results.
Having built-in Vertigo is obviously a no-no as far as flying airplanes.
So, do I self-disclose to the FAA by contacting my FAA Medical Examiner and handing in my 1st. Class Medical?
Or is it enough to just stay away from flying?

58 year old male. If this is long term or permanent, does it qualify for Social Security Disability?

Working with the union nurse to walk this mine field, but also looking
for recent experience from other aviatiors with Vertigo.
Thx.

GrassLandings

I have had family have spouts of vertigo. Cousin actually had her otilith removed i beleive, or some procedure done to help. However, a badly pulled/tense muscle in your neck/back can "cause" an episode when it pulls in the right place for long enough. May not be an inner ear issue, but rather posture related, thus effecting your inner ear. Before you pull the trigger either way, check it out with your doctor. (Im sure he/she has thought of this, but be sure it has been discussed since its a simple fix) Since that wouldnt be re occuring once fixed. That would be best case for you.

I dont have any personal expirence dealing with the faa with this. However contacting aopa legal support or some sort of aviation lawyer with medical knowledge/med case experience will help.

stiner62

I have a long history of inner ear issues since I was a teenager. I've only had one occurrence with vertigo about two years ago. I immediately went to my ENT to have it documented and diagnosed.

If you find a good AME, they can help you through the process. If it is a one time issue, it isn't a huge deal to get/keep your medical. Get checked out and have it well documented by a ENT. Don't just see your family doctor; your AME will not likely accept his work. I was issued my first class without any issues. The AME took copies of my medical records and tested my hearing (really just to show he looked at everything). He sent everything off to OKC and they cleared my medical without a second look. If you are having continuous issues, you will likely have a problem, as you (unfortunately) should.

As for your work and disability, I don't have a clue. I'm not flying for a career. I'm flying as a CFI as a side gig.

I wish you the best of luck.

bedrock

I'm curious. How do they diagnose vertigo? i know when I have sinus infections, my ear sometimes hurts and I feel strange, not really dizzy, but somehow less aware of things.

Csy Mon

Thx guys,
Good info.
Vertigo is like the room is spinning when you get out of bed, or look up trying to change a light bulb.
Also if moving head abruptly.
(Like a drunk teenager going to bed)

I am sure I could learn to live with it if it does not go away, it only lasts a few seconds.
Doc gave me Valium, he said it may help. Not much if any difference.
No problem driving a car or daily living, but not sure if I could go sailing anymore (always looking up the mast) or scuba diving.
Both are long term hobbies....
Doc said there is 3 Kinds of Vertigo and mine is a benign one.
Still not good for flying. The MRI brain scan was to look for something structural, hope there is nothing there.

Xdashdriver

In answer to your original question, you are not required to report any medical deficiency to the FAA until you apply for your next medical. Now you may not fly with a disqualifying condition, but the only time you need to tell the FAA about it is on the next medical.

Csy Mon

Thx Xdashdriver.
I had not gotten that far yet, you saved me one step.

Been downloading forms to fill out and basically goofing off hoping that would make me feel better, but no changes.
Will ask the experts how long it will last, but have a feeling it may be for l long time.. (Grandmother on father's side had it (called dizzy back then) father has it occasionally, 85 years old.)
Maybe it is just my turn...

Had a long flying carrier however, lots of good jobs and fun.
Highlight was 7 years in the left seat of the B-747-100/200.
(Before AA)
Also had fun flying tailwheel in Bush Alaska and other stuff.
If flying days are indeed over, so be it. House and boat and bills are paid off.

navigatro

Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Could be anything from a virus to a brain tumor, or lots in between.

See an ENT that specializes in balance and vertigo issues, or the appropriate specialist.

Get a diagnosis.

Work with union or AOPA or medical consult service.

Get FAA medical back if possible.

Good luck.

Csy Mon

Good point being a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Going through the process now, had 2 tests the other day: BAER and VER. Results not in yet.
Will keep digging deeper.

TallFlyer

Does the APA maintain a contract with AMAS? In my humble opinion, they're head and shoulders smarter and more effective than AOPA Aeromedical folks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk