Migraines

[Easy226]

I recently passed my class 2 medical with no problems. The doctor asked me weather i had any migraines before. I had two migraines when i was about 15 (im now 17) in two consecutive days, but i have never had one since. At the time i never used to wear my glasses and the doctor thought that this could have been the cause. The caa doctor didnt put it down and gave me the medical as i had not had any recently.
What i was wondering is how strict are the caa about issuing the class one medical with migraines. I know i dont need one yet, but i am looking into the future. Any advise is much appreciated.

Thanks

[gingernut]

Question your doctors diagnosis.
We all get headaches, and it doesn't sound as if there is anything unusual about the pattern of headaches you described.
I think that your doc. may have used the term "migraine" as a broad descriptor. It doesn't sound as if you have too much to worry about from what you have described. (I doubt you suffered "true" migraine.
Good luck.

[Easy226]

So if i do go and have the class one medical and they ask me what do you suggest i say.Im not thinking about having it right now as i am only 17, but when i do take one will they query it??
many thanks

[Bird Strike]

To me, too many misdiagnosis of migraine seem to be made! I have so many friends with supposed 'migraines' diagnosed by GPs and subsequently saw neurologists only to be told that they just had a bad headache, some from stiff neck, and even slow carbon monoxide poisoning from the faulty fireplace!

If anything, go to a neurologist (if necessary, pay for it so that you don't have to wait for ages on NHS) and see what he says.

[Easy226]

SO can you find a neurologist at any hospital?Will he be able to see if you have ever had a migraine before??

[gingernut]

Take it easy, Easy.
Of course you cannot lie at your medical, but as I said, question this term "Migraine."
Do some research at your local library into what a "Migraine" actually is, and ask yourself if this is what you actually suffered.
As I said, everyone gets headaches, even CAA medical examiners. Are yours any different from their's?
After 2 days of headaches, I would think very carefully before consulting a neurologist.
Remember, doctors will find something wrong with most people if they look hard enough !
Question the term "Migraine" and use a medical textbook (eg Clinical Medicine by Kumar and Clark) to explore the likely diagnosis.
Good luck again!

[pulse1]

I can confirm from bitter experience that you should never use the word "migraine" unless you are 100% certain that it is. If you are not certain, call it a headache.

I suffered about four days of headaches and my doctor prescribed medication for migraine (Migril) which certainly cured the headache. After using migril for 15 years I found that I could not get a Class 2 medical because I was using migril. As soon as I stopped taking it I started to get headaches again. Then, through my AME, I discovered that migril contained caffiene and the penny dropped. I stopped the migril, started the day with a cup of coffee, and have hardly had a non alcohol induced headache ever since.

Once my doctor assured the CAA that I was no longer using migril or any other pain killer, I was given a Class 2 medical. I don't know that I would have been given a Class 1 though.