Transient Global Amnesia
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Transient Global Amnesia/Transient Ischaemic Attack/Migraine - desperate for help
I am due to see my GP concerning a short term (30 minute) bout of amnesia which had no other symptoms. Blood pressure, heart rate, eye reactions, reflexes, pyhsical senses, blood tests and ecg were all normal at hospital.
Some internet reading indicates this may have been transient global amnesia. If so can anyone advise what impact this may have on my Class 1 JAA medical?
I've done an extensive search on the internet but there doesn't seem to be anything conclusive as far as I can find.
I currently work 24 hour rotating shifts with young family and stressful job, so I'm hoping it was a reaction to fatigue.
Reagrds,
VFR
Some internet reading indicates this may have been transient global amnesia. If so can anyone advise what impact this may have on my Class 1 JAA medical?
I've done an extensive search on the internet but there doesn't seem to be anything conclusive as far as I can find.
I currently work 24 hour rotating shifts with young family and stressful job, so I'm hoping it was a reaction to fatigue.
Reagrds,
VFR
Last edited by vfrrider481; 3rd Jan 2011 at 18:04. Reason: Change in circumstances
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Folks,
I am a little more concerned about my symptoms following a second incident this evening.
Carried a chair upstairs and had the following symptoms.
Initially sensation of dizzyness and then confusion. Couldn't remember where I was taking the chair!
The dizzyness was causing problems with co-ordination and balance and then allied to this I had a visual disturbance of light flickering on the right periphery of my right eye vision.
I managed to function throughout the short period of confusion but only with difficulty. The sensations lasted 10 minutes or so and I ended up having to stand still holding the wall, trying to relax in order to allow the sensations to pass. Afterwards, I felt quite ill, not sick, but a general feeling of illness.
Hard to describe really but very unnerving.
I am already under investigation for the original incident, for which I have an MRI booked.
Does anyone have any ideas a) what this may be and b) what the implications might be on a class 1.
Regards, VFR
I am a little more concerned about my symptoms following a second incident this evening.
Carried a chair upstairs and had the following symptoms.
Initially sensation of dizzyness and then confusion. Couldn't remember where I was taking the chair!
The dizzyness was causing problems with co-ordination and balance and then allied to this I had a visual disturbance of light flickering on the right periphery of my right eye vision.
I managed to function throughout the short period of confusion but only with difficulty. The sensations lasted 10 minutes or so and I ended up having to stand still holding the wall, trying to relax in order to allow the sensations to pass. Afterwards, I felt quite ill, not sick, but a general feeling of illness.
Hard to describe really but very unnerving.
I am already under investigation for the original incident, for which I have an MRI booked.
Does anyone have any ideas a) what this may be and b) what the implications might be on a class 1.
Regards, VFR
Psychophysiological entity
I am a retired pilot, not a doctor, but I would just mention that one of the more disquieting symptoms of Classical Migraine is 'areas' of memory failure. However, these usually occur after the 'Aura' (The flashing vision and patches of blindness) - so I'm not sure if it could be one and the same thing.
You're going down the right route having an MRI. You must press for consultation with a Neurologist. Needless to say, the medical should be suspended for the time being.
In the mean time, although the flickering seemed to be in the right eye, if it occurs again, be absolutely sure to check if it is in both eyes or only one. This is very important. The kind of patterns may be of help to a specialist. A Sawtooth Zig-zag - decreasing in size from one end to the other, would be a known symptom, and therefore useful information.
Although there's no hard science, I have a very good reason for asking. Have you binged on chocolate recently?
You're going down the right route having an MRI. You must press for consultation with a Neurologist. Needless to say, the medical should be suspended for the time being.
In the mean time, although the flickering seemed to be in the right eye, if it occurs again, be absolutely sure to check if it is in both eyes or only one. This is very important. The kind of patterns may be of help to a specialist. A Sawtooth Zig-zag - decreasing in size from one end to the other, would be a known symptom, and therefore useful information.
Although there's no hard science, I have a very good reason for asking. Have you binged on chocolate recently?
Last edited by Loose rivets; 24th Dec 2010 at 21:05.
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LR,
Thankyou for your reply, but no I haven't binged on chocolate recently. It was in the right eye only, and was a regular pulsating or flashing light, no zig zag effect. As regards the medical, I am not currently flying at this time.
I had the MRI scan the other day, although somewhat alarmingly I was called back the following day for a further MRI utilising dye for contrast. I understand that this may be used to improve the detail of the vascular system amongst other things.
As it stands this could be one of 3 or worse things. There seems little written about the transient global amnesia, but given the fact it rarely re-occurs I feel this may not be it.
Obviously TIA's are not good, but clearly need appropriate treatment due to the risk of full on strokes. I'm not quite sure what the impact on an existing class 1 holder would bve, but I'm not confident.
Ironically, the potential of it being migraines is really bad. As an existing class 1, my understanding is that my medical can be re-invoked for multi crew if I am symptom free for 3 to 6 months........but
I only just got my CPL, MEIR and MCC within the last 6 months, obviously don't currently have a flying job, and therefore don't fly a multipilot aircraft! I was going to do an FI rating, but clearly can't if I can't be the sole pilot on board. I might just be unemployable now
What's really really depressing is that I've just spent £35k+ to get the qualifications but with at best medical restrictions necesitating multi crew only, a series 2 IR pass and being mid 30's with circa 250 hours, I'm wondering if this is the most expensive migraine/TIA on earth.
Desperation would be an understatement!
Any help or advice gratefully received,
VFR
Thankyou for your reply, but no I haven't binged on chocolate recently. It was in the right eye only, and was a regular pulsating or flashing light, no zig zag effect. As regards the medical, I am not currently flying at this time.
I had the MRI scan the other day, although somewhat alarmingly I was called back the following day for a further MRI utilising dye for contrast. I understand that this may be used to improve the detail of the vascular system amongst other things.
As it stands this could be one of 3 or worse things. There seems little written about the transient global amnesia, but given the fact it rarely re-occurs I feel this may not be it.
Obviously TIA's are not good, but clearly need appropriate treatment due to the risk of full on strokes. I'm not quite sure what the impact on an existing class 1 holder would bve, but I'm not confident.
Ironically, the potential of it being migraines is really bad. As an existing class 1, my understanding is that my medical can be re-invoked for multi crew if I am symptom free for 3 to 6 months........but
I only just got my CPL, MEIR and MCC within the last 6 months, obviously don't currently have a flying job, and therefore don't fly a multipilot aircraft! I was going to do an FI rating, but clearly can't if I can't be the sole pilot on board. I might just be unemployable now
What's really really depressing is that I've just spent £35k+ to get the qualifications but with at best medical restrictions necesitating multi crew only, a series 2 IR pass and being mid 30's with circa 250 hours, I'm wondering if this is the most expensive migraine/TIA on earth.
Desperation would be an understatement!
Any help or advice gratefully received,
VFR
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Hi,
I'm sorry to read about what's been happening, sounds like you're having a terrible time. I bet it's difficult enough working full time with a family and working towards your flying, without having this as well!
I think for the moment, take one step at a time and you might find it easier to work through in your mind. Firstly, unfortunately you will almost certainly find that your medical will be suspended while you're undergoing investigations. It sounds as though you are having/have had relevant investigations so far so in the first instance it would probably be wise to wait for the results of these.
It goes without saying that being grounded will be frustrating and worrying but unfortunately necessary for safety reasons while you get this sorted (I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that).
Once you have the results, hopefully then you will be in a position to go back to the CAA for assessment and advice on what happens next.
Have you seen a Neurologist yet?
Please do keep us updated.
All the best.
B
I'm sorry to read about what's been happening, sounds like you're having a terrible time. I bet it's difficult enough working full time with a family and working towards your flying, without having this as well!
I think for the moment, take one step at a time and you might find it easier to work through in your mind. Firstly, unfortunately you will almost certainly find that your medical will be suspended while you're undergoing investigations. It sounds as though you are having/have had relevant investigations so far so in the first instance it would probably be wise to wait for the results of these.
It goes without saying that being grounded will be frustrating and worrying but unfortunately necessary for safety reasons while you get this sorted (I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that).
Once you have the results, hopefully then you will be in a position to go back to the CAA for assessment and advice on what happens next.
Have you seen a Neurologist yet?
Please do keep us updated.
All the best.
B
Psychophysiological entity
I was interrupted while writing something this PM, I'll come back later.
One thing. If you are in a dark room, can you cause the flashing to occur by vigorous eye movements? (Occam's razor and all that.)
One thing. If you are in a dark room, can you cause the flashing to occur by vigorous eye movements? (Occam's razor and all that.)
Psychophysiological entity
In the above post I meant at any time, not just during an episode.
It must truly be a dreadful time for you. The phase of life you're in is difficult enough for average young parents, add to this, the costs of flight training, the training itself, and now the malaise, clearly, you are going to have to call on every ounce of self control and strength you can muster.
I didn't have anything like the responsibility you have and I felt absolutely wrecked after the CPL exams and IR. So, what this is saying is there's a very good chance you'll be as right as rain in the not too distant future. But...
Damage has been done in terms of your medical records, and now you can only follow a set procedure of investigation. After all, the most important thing is your long term health - I'm not forgetting your family, but focusing on you for the moment - but I would have thought the sheer workload and very real stress leading up to what you've achieved could well lead to some very unpleasant symptoms in a quite typical young person.
I have taken some advise on this, but it was thought there are too many variables to make even an educated guess at what was going on, and in any case, you're going down the right path with the investigations.
In this modern world it is all too easy to read up on a set of symptoms that fit exactly, and come to exactly the wrong conclusion, so make no assumptions at this time.
To sum up: There is a good chance there's nothing seriously wrong, and a structured argument put forward to the medical bods, that this phase of your life could well have produced these symptoms in a perfectly normal person seems to be a possible way forward.
First things first. Keep pushing for senior professional advice - the importance being based on your intended profession.
Good luck, and keep us informed.
It must truly be a dreadful time for you. The phase of life you're in is difficult enough for average young parents, add to this, the costs of flight training, the training itself, and now the malaise, clearly, you are going to have to call on every ounce of self control and strength you can muster.
I didn't have anything like the responsibility you have and I felt absolutely wrecked after the CPL exams and IR. So, what this is saying is there's a very good chance you'll be as right as rain in the not too distant future. But...
Damage has been done in terms of your medical records, and now you can only follow a set procedure of investigation. After all, the most important thing is your long term health - I'm not forgetting your family, but focusing on you for the moment - but I would have thought the sheer workload and very real stress leading up to what you've achieved could well lead to some very unpleasant symptoms in a quite typical young person.
I have taken some advise on this, but it was thought there are too many variables to make even an educated guess at what was going on, and in any case, you're going down the right path with the investigations.
In this modern world it is all too easy to read up on a set of symptoms that fit exactly, and come to exactly the wrong conclusion, so make no assumptions at this time.
To sum up: There is a good chance there's nothing seriously wrong, and a structured argument put forward to the medical bods, that this phase of your life could well have produced these symptoms in a perfectly normal person seems to be a possible way forward.
First things first. Keep pushing for senior professional advice - the importance being based on your intended profession.
Good luck, and keep us informed.
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LR,
Thank you for the advice and more importantly the support.
In answer to your question, no I can't promote flashing through rigorous eye movement at any time, darkened room or otherwise.
You are of course right that the air is no place for undiagnosed illness reflected in a suspension of medical. In many respects the internet is an awful creation for the inquisitive, however with the right research there are many snippets of useful information hidden away.
I suppose the worst thing is confirmation bias in that finding some symptoms similar to one's own you could easily fill in some blanks to convince yourself you have that ailment.
The key to this process seems to be simply a professional diagnosis through an appropriate scan or assessment (MRIs in my case).
This is the third suspension of my class 1 in 5 years and each one seems more serious than the last (none have been for anything as simple as bronchitis etc.). I have been down this route before, but none the less it is still human nature to be concerned. There are numerous possibilities that I can't know what the heck is going on, but suffice to say I have availed myself of as much knowledge as I can find from CAA sources to be able to assess where each course or diagnosis is potentially going to lead.
One does wonder why the route to a pilot's job is so difficult, as if finance, training and exams weren't enough the medical issues can be far more difficult to cope with,
Many thanks,
VFR
Thank you for the advice and more importantly the support.
In answer to your question, no I can't promote flashing through rigorous eye movement at any time, darkened room or otherwise.
You are of course right that the air is no place for undiagnosed illness reflected in a suspension of medical. In many respects the internet is an awful creation for the inquisitive, however with the right research there are many snippets of useful information hidden away.
I suppose the worst thing is confirmation bias in that finding some symptoms similar to one's own you could easily fill in some blanks to convince yourself you have that ailment.
The key to this process seems to be simply a professional diagnosis through an appropriate scan or assessment (MRIs in my case).
This is the third suspension of my class 1 in 5 years and each one seems more serious than the last (none have been for anything as simple as bronchitis etc.). I have been down this route before, but none the less it is still human nature to be concerned. There are numerous possibilities that I can't know what the heck is going on, but suffice to say I have availed myself of as much knowledge as I can find from CAA sources to be able to assess where each course or diagnosis is potentially going to lead.
One does wonder why the route to a pilot's job is so difficult, as if finance, training and exams weren't enough the medical issues can be far more difficult to cope with,
Many thanks,
VFR
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LR,
In the interest of providing a source of advice and guidance for those who may have similar goings on in future, an update......
Mri scan did not come back all clear, showing a swelling on the brain. My GP is not able to elaborate on a diagnosis due to the complexity of the human brain, but a referral is now on for a neurologist.
Bugger.
VFR
In the interest of providing a source of advice and guidance for those who may have similar goings on in future, an update......
Mri scan did not come back all clear, showing a swelling on the brain. My GP is not able to elaborate on a diagnosis due to the complexity of the human brain, but a referral is now on for a neurologist.
Bugger.
VFR
Psychophysiological entity
I'm very sorry to hear that. Obviously your stress levels will now be past red-line, but there is a positive side to finding a specific cause.
Diagnostics are much, much more difficult when nothing reveals itself after tests. It's now a case of riding out the 'not knowing' period.
I would assume your case will be dealt with very quickly - no significant delay is acceptable.
I, and I'm sure a lot of forum members, will be thinking of you. Pleas let us know how things proceed.
Diagnostics are much, much more difficult when nothing reveals itself after tests. It's now a case of riding out the 'not knowing' period.
I would assume your case will be dealt with very quickly - no significant delay is acceptable.
I, and I'm sure a lot of forum members, will be thinking of you. Pleas let us know how things proceed.
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From what you describe it may be worth considering epilepsy; very mild epileptic episodes can cause such symptoms, particularly loss of memory for a short period.
Good luck with the diagnosis, and your future flying career; it must be a very worrying time for you. I hope it proves to be unfounded.
Good luck with the diagnosis, and your future flying career; it must be a very worrying time for you. I hope it proves to be unfounded.
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Yransient Global Amnesia (TGA)
VFRRIDER,
Have you been prescribed any form of STATIN drug to lower your cholesterol?
TGA is a known side effect of these drugs. I have a very long article I can post if you are interested but you should first check out the Author's website
Spacedoc.net Duane Graveline is also an aviator.
hi on oz
Have you been prescribed any form of STATIN drug to lower your cholesterol?
TGA is a known side effect of these drugs. I have a very long article I can post if you are interested but you should first check out the Author's website
Spacedoc.net Duane Graveline is also an aviator.
hi on oz
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XJ8,
yes the scary thought of epilepsy had crossed my mind, however my episode was unwitnessed and I would anticipate that without further episodes, witnessed or otherwise a doctor would be reluctant to positively diagnose that......finger crossed anyway!
Hi on Viz,
No I have never taken or been prescribed statins as my cholesterol level has been and currently is fine.
Thanks for the help guys.
VFR
yes the scary thought of epilepsy had crossed my mind, however my episode was unwitnessed and I would anticipate that without further episodes, witnessed or otherwise a doctor would be reluctant to positively diagnose that......finger crossed anyway!
Hi on Viz,
No I have never taken or been prescribed statins as my cholesterol level has been and currently is fine.
Thanks for the help guys.
VFR
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Thought for today has simply been bugger.
Mini strokes, transient global amnesia et al are of no consequence.
The scan results and neurologist chat have identified a brain tumour. The type and grade are not yet known without further investigation Little bit more serious than one was anticipating and not easy with a family and young kids.
Booked in for surgery for a biopsy to see what we are dealing with.........
Anyone ever known of someone retaining a class 1 after a brain tumour?
Regards,
VFR
Mini strokes, transient global amnesia et al are of no consequence.
The scan results and neurologist chat have identified a brain tumour. The type and grade are not yet known without further investigation Little bit more serious than one was anticipating and not easy with a family and young kids.
Booked in for surgery for a biopsy to see what we are dealing with.........
Anyone ever known of someone retaining a class 1 after a brain tumour?
Regards,
VFR
