cptngp

I have been reading here for quite some time now and I am very thankful for the amount of useful information I gathered from here.

I am a recent college graduate, worked for a financial services firm for a bit and am now looking at starting flight training.

I went to my local AME earlier today and he expressed concern regarding a visit I had with a neurologist last Jan 2015. From September to around December last year ( months working long nights on overtime), I have been experiencing headaches at the back of my head -- mostly when I am sleep deprived. It never really incapacitated me but it was painful enough for me to need acetaminophen to get over with. I never even felt the need to pull over while driving with it. My parents suggested for me to consult a neurologist early January just to make sure. My neurologist ordered a Brain MRI to check and no complications surfaced in the results. She said it probably is just head spasm and ruled out any other illness/disease based on the MRI. I haven't experienced it since January as I already quit my job and have been getting decent amount of sleep since. I disclosed this visit in my FAA Medxpress application.

Now what I don't understand is why my AME kept reiterating for me not to keep my hopes up because according to him I probably won't get certified by FAA because of my previous headache problem. He asked me to write a statement about it and make my neurologist write a letter and furnish any medical test copies for the FAA to check. From the way he laid out things to me, it seemed as if he didnt want to see me again because even if I submit docs from my neurologist it would all be futile anyway.

Do you think it would be wise for me to seek second opinion with another AME in my area? I'm not a trained physician or what but I think my situation isnt as bad as he put it and is way too far from being disqualifying based on what I've read in this FAA guide for AMEs: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/media/C-CACIMigraine.pdf

Im also disappointed by the fact that he hadnt even sat next to me for more than 2 mins to listen to what I have to say in detail (like the timeline involved in my issue etc).

Hope to hear feedback from you guys.

Thanks.

Xdashdriver

So....did you go in for your exam and this came up during the exam, or was this a pre-medical consultation?

cptngp

I went in for my exam and I disclosed the January neuro visit in my form 8500-8.

Xdashdriver

Oh ok....so your AME deferred you then, or is he waiting for documentation before submitting anything?

I would put in a call to Dr. Bruce Chien (google him, you'll find him) and consult with him for a few minutes. At least that way you'll know exactly what needs to be sent in and how stuff needs to be worded to have the best shot at the FAA. He can also work with your AME if needs be. You'll need to work fast though. Give Dr. Chien a call tomorrow first thing. If your AME is waiting for documentation, I think he only has 7 days before he has to hit the submit button on your application.

swaayze

Wow.

First, get a new AME (maybe next time, not sure about the 7-day thing mentioned above). Ask around for the go-to-guy in your area for special situations. Sounds like the one you chose sucks or at least is disinterested.

You can and should get a medical if the details you posted are accurate.

I'll skip the details but I had a similar situation that was cleared up through OKC in short order with documentation from the specialist - of course I had the right help that knew just (who and) how to grease the skids. Look into AOPA and/or AMAS if you need more help.

Good luck!

lbfowlerjrmd

you have not yet said wether your exam has been transmitted to the faa by your 'ame'. I suspect it has if he used your medexpress # to open the exam. OKC will make the determination ... from what i have read u likely will get your certificate ... dir from them

bedrock

When it comes to doctors, always get a second and third opinion. With regards to neurologists, they may be looking at your brain, but the problem may be in your neck. Seeing a good orthopedist may be in order too. A lot of AME's ride the medical examiner gravy train and don't really take an interest in you. Also alot of them are using really antiquated equipment which is subject to mistakes. The doctor near my home has been using an eye machine that must be from the early 60's at latest. Find a better one.

SetClimbPower

I had a similar problem. I disclosed that I used to get migraine headaches several years ago. I had not had an episode nor been on medication for almost a year when I went for my 1st class medical. I did disclose the fact on my 8500-8. My AME had to defer my medical to OKC. About a month later I received a letter from the FAA requiring documentation from my family doctor. They needed a history of my headaches, a list of any medication I was on (none), and a future prognosis of my condition (good since I had been headache free for a year).

It takes OKC about another month after they receive your paperwork to make a determination. In my case they ruled I was ineligible, but gave me a Special Issuance. The SI required me to get a medical every six months and to bring a note from my family physician to my flight physical. After about 3 exams, the FAA changed my situation to CACI (conditions AMEs can issue). The CACI status no longer requires a full review OKC. I'm now happily working as a pilot with my 1st class medical.

I guess this was the long way of saying that there is hope if you have patience and can furnish the necessary documentation. It took three months to get my initial 1st class medical. Unfortunately those three months counted since the last exam. I had to get another medical three months after I received my certificate. However, once you have the medical, you are still required to disclose the situation on subsequent 8500-8 forms but you can then select PRNC (previously reported, no change) as long as nothing new has developed.

Good luck!