Miscellaneous Illnesses
Hydrocephalus
Individuals who have required a shunt to control hydrocephalus may have shunt
failure and/or require a new shunt. Those shunted for acquired hydrocephalus are
generally unfit because of the possibility of unexpected shunt failure.
Individual consideration however may be given where accredited medical opinion
is that the risk of shunt failure or seizure is low.
Applicants shunted in infancy and seizure free throughout adult life without
neuropsychological sequelae may be considered for a Category 3 medical
certificate.
Syringomyelia
This is a rare condition in which there is a cystic lesion of the spinal cord
or brainstem. These lesions usually develop because of congenital anomalies,
less frequently secondary to trauma or tumor. They tend to progress.
If the syrinx is below the cervical cord the applicant should be judged as
any other paraparetic according to functional abilities. A practical flight test
will be required and, after medical certification, neurological follow-up is
required every six months. A practical flight test should be repeated
annually.
In applicants where the syrinx involves the cervical cord or brainstem, the
neurological deficit may be or become too significant for medical certification.
Such applicants are permanently unfit.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Neuromuscular dysfunction in MG is related to antibodies generated against
the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction. This results in
progressive weakness and fatigability which fluctuates with the degree of effort
sustained. Some individuals may achieve a remission by thymectomy or
immunosuppression. Those who are in remission and stable, with little or no
medication two years after the thymectomy, may be recertified.
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