Post-Concussion Syndrome and flying

Cruise

Cruise

Well-Known Member
Hello Doc,

What are the implications to having headaches and insomnia/ fatigue following a concussion for returning to flying? I am currently not flying for various injuries as a result of a car accident where someone hit me head-on nearly 6 weeks ago. But the concussion/ headache thing is the one issue that concerns me the most and I feel will be the limiting factor in my return to work. I never lost consciousness following the accident. My brain MRI was clear and I have an appt. with a neurologist later this week; although, I doubt much will come from that visit from the info I've been gathering online. The headaches have been occurring regularly. I have some good days and some bad days. I thought, at least for the moment, the frequency/ duration seemed to be waning until I had a 60+ hours pounding headache last week.

Also, if it is a grounding condition (I'm assuming it is), what are the requirements to return to flying? Must you be headache free or is it simply a matter of ability to control the pain (so far no analgesics seem to work for me)? Finally, what is the wait time to return to flying?

Thanks!
 
Post concussion syndrome is a variant of traumatic brain injury. The FAA looks at each of these cases on an individual basis. They will want to see copies of ALL of the ER and hospital records, a current (within 60 days) evaluation by a neurologist, and you need to be free of headaches. They may ask for formal neurocognitive testing by a neuropsychologist.

The recovery period is extremely variable. I currently have an airline pilot who had a concussion playing basketball and is still out because of deficits in his neurocognitve testing and it has bee 2 years.

Once the FAA reviews the records, they will render a decision.
 
Good luck with your recovery. I slipped on ice and did a Charlie Brown type fall while walking the dog this winter and sustained a concussion. I had similar symptoms following the fall and would say to pay very close attention to what you did on the bad days so you can try to avoid repeating those activities if possible. I found that even limited amounts of TV, internet, texting and reading made for "bad days" for a while. It made for an EXTREMELY boring few weeks and unfortunately life doesn't just stop, but do what you can to take it easy.

I'd never had a concussion before. They suck.
 
My Flight Surgeon said:
Post concussion syndrome is a variant of traumatic brain injury. The FAA looks at each of these cases on an individual basis. They will want to see copies of ALL of the ER and hospital records, a current (within 60 days) evaluation by a neurologist, and you need to be free of headaches. They may ask for formal neurocognitive testing by a neuropsychologist.

The recovery period is extremely variable. I currently have an airline pilot who had a concussion playing basketball and is still out because of deficits in his neurocognitve testing and it has bee 2 years.

Once the FAA reviews the records, they will render a decision.
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Ok, thanks for the reply. A few more follow-up questions if you don't mind:

My medical is due in June. Is there anything I should be doing prior to being headache free to speed up my return to flying? What is the definition of headache free....nothing within a few weeks, months, etc???

I imagine I will have more questions following my appt. with the neurologist later this week.

Thanks again!
 
Hey Doc, I have another follow-up question for you when you have a chance to reply. I recently spoke to to folks at ALPA Aeromedical in Denver and they told me the FAA wants a MINIMUM of 6 months post concussion before they'll consider my information. They also said this 6 month timeline is firm regardless if my neurologist clears me prior to 6 months. Is this accurate? Is there is more than just being headache free; I also must wait 6 months as well?
 
I believe that is true. Traumatic brain injury is a significant and can have delayed consequences. That is the reason for the 6 month wait.
 
Thanks much.....although I'm not happy about the answers I'm getting. haha

I guess I didn't originally understand what you were saying. So I need to be BOTH 6 months post-concussion AND at least 7 days free from headaches? Ouch....that hurts more than the accident itself!
 
Eh, I'm doing somewhat better. Still have a ways to go, unfortunately. Doesn't seem as though the FAA's 6 month wait is going to affect me much, I'll be out well beyond that, at this point.
 
Cruise said:
Eh, I'm doing somewhat better. Still have a ways to go, unfortunately. Doesn't seem as though the FAA's 6 month wait is going to affect me much, I'll be out well beyond that, at this point.
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Maybe they can combine back to the line training with upgrade?!!! I hope! :)
 
HRDiva said:
Maybe they can combine back to the line training with upgrade?!!! I hope! :)
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Haha, at this point I should be able to hold left seat by the time I'm back. However, I pulled my bid; I'm coming back in the right seat. I want a couple months back where I'm not the 'decider.' Figure it'll benefit me in the long run to just get back in the groove of things before I'm worrying about extra duties that befall the captain.
 
Cruise said:
Haha, at this point I should be able to hold left seat by the time I'm back. However, I pulled my bid; I'm coming back in the right seat. I want a couple months back where I'm not the 'decider.' Figure it'll benefit me in the long run to just get back in the groove of things before I'm worrying about extra duties that befall the captain.
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You are a great guy, Matt! Best wishes for your recovery.
 
DPApilot said:
You are a great guy, Matt! Best wishes for your recovery.
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Well, I appreciate you saying that; and thanks for the well wishes! You're a pretty good dude yourself, Gulley! :cool:

You know, I always try my best to not be "the jackwagon" in the room.....but it doesn't always work out. :bounce::p:D
 
Cruise said:
Well, I appreciate you saying that; and thanks for the well wishes! You're a pretty good dude yourself, Gulley! :cool:

You know, I always try my best to not be "the jackwagon" in the room.....but it doesn't always work out. :bounce::p:D
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That dancer didn't need a fan, your phone did need a charge though!
 
Cruise said:
Haha, at this point I should be able to hold left seat by the time I'm back. However, I pulled my bid; I'm coming back in the right seat. I want a couple months back where I'm not the 'decider.' Figure it'll benefit me in the long run to just get back in the groove of things before I'm worrying about extra duties that befall the captain.
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I hope you're back soon because, with the next bid, it would be Captain Cruise! :)
 
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