Migraine RAF OASC
 

Hi, I have recently been selected as a pilot for the RAF provided my part 2 medical goes well in a few weeks time. I went to visit my GP with the required forms concerning my health last week and feel a little unsettled.

Basically, after a head injury I was admitted to hospital with head ache, this was listed as "migraine" by the doctors in A&E. This was 6 years ago and I have never had any migraine since or before the injury.

Further more, at the time I visited a consultant neurologist who declared the diagnosis of migraine as wrong, I have an official letter explaining this.

So my worry is.... will Cranwell kick out my application at part 2 medical on the grounds of migraine? Even though this “one off head ache” was 6 yeara ago, has never happened before or again, and I have a consultants letter?

Many thanks F97

A. Very unlikely that they will bin you for that.
B. Even if they do, you'll fight it until you win if you want to get in as a pilot.

Hello,

Well done for getting through this far. From what I remember, OASC was the hardest part!!

With regards to your migrane situation, I think (im sure I will be corrected if im wrong) that GP's can put notes onto your medical records to the effect of "...suspected but later proved not to suffer..."

I remember years ago when I was a kid, they thought I may have asthma. I did all the tests etc, clear cut asthma I was told, come back for your inhaler on...

It turned out I had a mild chest infection, hence the wheezing, shortness of breath etc.
This was worrying me so I simply got an appointment with my GP and voiced my concern. He looked at my records and told me that there was no record of asthma so I was clear.

With regards to your letter from the neurologist. The RAF may or may not take this into account. From what I've seen of cases where specialist advice is needed, the RAF tend to send you to one of their hospitals and get checked out. Only then will they 'believe' you.

And, like OPSO says, if it goes pear shaped and you know you are right; if you want it that much you will fight for it!

Hope this helps

Flyer

Dont worry, I have personal experience of wrong diagnosis of migraine by a GP. I have sent you a PM.

BFB

Ghostflyer

Unfortunately in recent years the RAF medical board insists on access to full medical records from your GP.

In F97's case, I am pretty sure that he will be ok.

However, being Welsh may understandably go against him!

BFB

F97,

OASC will get access to your medical records. If it says that you have had a migraine you will be classed as Permanently Unfit for GD(Air), FC and ATC. However, if you have a ditty to 'prove' that the GP was a muppet, er misdiagnosed your migraine, from your neuro specialist, I suggest that you ensure that it finds its way to the President of the Medical Board, probably via your GP.

Good Luck.

Kipper:ok:

Good Luck Flyer1997

I went for the RAF a couple of years ago but was rejected due to being allergic to peanuts!!! The most anoying thing was I had sent off my medical forms two weeks prior to going to Cranwell. I did all my aptitude tests and interview and everything was going well, then they tell me after my medical I failed. I have had one attack when I was 2years old. I wish now that I hadn't told them anything, I know of people in the RAF who has this condition but as long as you are diagnosed after entry, you are ok apparantly!!!!

I wish I had fought more, but I was hitting a brick wall. Fight for it if they fail your medical, but in this situation, it seems unlikely you will fail....