ATCO.MED.B.065 Neurology

(a)Electroencephalography (EEG)

(1)EEG should be carried out when indicated by the applicant’s history or on clinical grounds.

(2)Epileptiform paroxysmal EEG abnormalities and focal slow waves should be disqualifying. A fit assessment may be considered after further evaluation.

(b)Epilepsy

(1)Applicants who have experienced one or more convulsive episodes after the age of five should be assessed as unfit.

(2)A fit assessment may be considered if:

(i)the applicant is seizure free and off medication for a period of at least 10 years;

(ii)full neurological evaluation shows that a seizure was caused by a specific non-recurrent cause, such as trauma or toxin.

(3)Applicants who have experienced an episode of benign Rolandic seizure may be assessed as fit provided the seizure has been clearly diagnosed including a properly documented history and typical EEG result and the applicant has been free of symptoms and off treatment for at least 10 years.

(c)Neurological disease Applicants with any stationary or progressive disease of the nervous system which has caused or is likely to cause a significant disability should be assessed as unfit. A fit assessment may be considered after full neurological evaluation in cases of minor functional losses associated with stationary disease.

(d)Disturbance of consciousness Applicants with a history of one or more episodes of disturbed consciousness may be assessed as fit if the condition can be satisfactorily explained by a non-recurrent cause. A full neurological evaluation is required.

(e)Head injury Applicants with a head injury which was severe enough to cause loss of consciousness or is associated with penetrating brain injury should be evaluated by a consultant neurologist. A fit assessment may be considered if there has been a full recovery and the risk of epilepsy is sufficiently low. Behavioural and cognitive aspects should be taken into account.