(New Smyrna Beach, Daytona, Orlando)
In the case of concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a detailed neuropsychological evaluation including a comprehensive report from an HIMS-trained neuropsychologist to assess that pilot’s ability to safely and effectively operate an aircraft.
FAA-Required Documentation for Concussion/TBI
Pilot document requirements as it relates to concussion or TBI include the submission of thorough medical records with imaging results and neuropsychological evaluation detailing relevant testing and examination. As per the FAA, it is required to consult an HIMS-trained neuropsychologist to ensure that your evaluation meets all requirements as stipulated by the FAA, as it relates to concussion or TBI.
FAA-Required Recovery Time for Concussion/TBI
There is also FAA-specified recovery time, which is dependent upon the severity of the injury, with mild TBI recovery time listed as a minimum of six months, moderate TBI requiring a twelve-month minimum recovery time and a no less than five-year recovery time for severe TBI patients.
Severe brain injury includes penetrating head injury, depressed skull fracture or blood in the brain such as a brain contusion, intracranial bleed, hematoma, epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma or a diffuse axonal injury. Moderate brain injury includes non-depressed skull fractures, small parafalcine or tentorial subdural hematoma resolved by MRI or a small subarachnoid hemorrhage resolved by MRI. A concussion is considered a mild brain injury, as long as it is not accompanied by seizures. Also, if loss of consciousness, alteration of loss of consciousness or post-traumatic amnesia last for more than 24 hours, they are categorized as a moderate brain injury; and at 24 hours or more, these conditions are considered a severe brain injury.
FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation Requirements for Concussion/TBI
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for the purpose of determining if a pilot may hold a medical certificate must be conducted in accordance with the FAA documentation guidelines and provide a clear explanation of the neuropsychological disorder.
More specifically, it should include (completed by a neuropsychologist) a detailed history of the neuropsychological condition from onset through presentation or diagnosis to present, with symptom descriptions and any other relevant findings; treatments and outcomes; past medical, surgical and psychiatric history; medications with dosage, frequency, reasons for medication use and side effects; social and family history including substance use and pertinent neurological information. Also required by the FAA are diagnostic imaging, testing and procedure results and their significance; hospitalization records for each neurological condition or concern; treatment records including prognosis, plans and risk assessment (for example: slow reaction times, impaired memory, impaired multitasking or the potential to sudden incapacitation as a result of stroke or seizure, or any other impairment that could negatively impact aviation safety).
An FAA-Approved Aviation Neuropsychologist You Can Trust
For more specifics regarding Federal Aviation Administration concussion and traumatic brain injury requirements and protocols for pilots, feel free to contact Dr. Lisa S. Merilson, Psy.D. of Aviation Neuropsychology at 386-478-9873 or drmerilson@merilsoncapital.com.
As owner of Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health and with 21 years of clinical practice experience, Dr. Lisa Merilson specializes in clinical and aerospace neurological evaluations. Her practice focuses on neuropsychological services with conditions including, yet certainly not limited to traumatic brain injury, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and dementia.
HIMS neuropsychological evaluators are much more suited to aviators than ordinary neuropsychologists, because HIMS neuropsychologists are specifically trained for the cognitive testing of pilots. Additionally, HIMS neuropsychologists possess the ability to compare test data and evaluation results specific to pilots with those of the general population – an extremely valuable tool for assessing the cognitive competence of aviators.
Even more beneficial than an HIMS neuropsychological evaluation is one performed by a pilot, offering unique insight and compassion for fellow aviators. Dr. Merilson, an HIMS-trained, licensed neuropsychologist with nearly 100 flight hours logged, is uniquely qualified to help pilots maintain their medical certification.
Aviation Neuropsychology is conveniently located at 512 Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach.