Juvenile Grave's Disease

RJM62

RJM62

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Geek on the Hill
A friend of mine's 14-year-old son, who has at times expressed an interest in learning to fly, has been diagnosed with Grave's Disease. I'm wondering what the aeromedical implications are. Thanks.

Rich
 
Calling Dr. Bruce...

[caveat - I know nothing about medicine altho I've worked at 2 teaching hospitals in the past]

Looking briefly at the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, one treatment is to destroy the thyroid then put the patient on synthroid or similar. Considering an increasing number of adults in the US are on synthroid for various reasons, it may not be an issue. But then, what do I know? I'm a software geek on synthroid. All I have to do for the medical (Class 3 not BasicMed) is a blood test and have my doctor write a note to the AME that the TSH is within guideline levels. I haven't checked yet if it needs to be reported for BasicMed.

Perhaps an "informational" appt with an AME or call AOPA Medical Services for more info. I would take an ignorant guess that everything depends on the symptoms.
 
murphey said:
Looking briefly at the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, one treatment is to destroy the thyroid then put the patient on synthroid or similar. Considering an increasing number of adults in the US are on synthroid for various reasons, it may not be an issue. But then, what do I know? I'm a software geek on synthroid. All I have to do for the medical (Class 3 not BasicMed) is a blood test and have my doctor write a note to the AME that the TSH is within guideline levels. I haven't checked yet if it needs to be reported for BasicMed.
Click to expand...
The reporting requirements for Basic Med are the same as for 3rd class, in fact the CMEC is almost the same exam. It does not require a SI for Basic Med as it's neither cardiovascular, neurological, nor psychiatric. But if he's a 14 year old who has never held a med certificate, he can't do Basic Med (yet).
 
should be no problem getting a medical and likely will not require a SI.
 
Here is the FAA guideline on Hyperthyroidism: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or...uide/special_iss/all_classes/hyperthyroidism/

Also from the FAA:
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or...e/app_process/exam_tech/item48/amd/endocrine/
Submit all pertinent medical records; current status to include names and dosage of
medication(s) and side effects, and current serum calcium and phosphorus levels

If status post-surgery, disease controlled, stable and no sequela - Issue

Otherwise - Requires FAA Decision

Here is the input from AOPA
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions/endocrine-system/hyperthyroidism

And here is the input from the American Society of Aerospace Medicine Specialists
http://www.asams.org/guidelines/Completed/NEW Hyperthyroidism.htm

Good luck to your friend's family. I highly recommend they look at the Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation (http://www.gdatf.org/). They have a great forum for support.
 
Thanks everyone for the information. I'll pass it on.

Right now the family is in shock. Telling them that the boy should still be able to get an Aviation Medical Certificate if he wants one may be of comfort, whether he decides to pursue flying or not. It kind of says that he's not that broken. Thanks for that, Dr. Lou.

Rich
 
To add to Dr. Lou- it will be issusable on SI during stable phase, e.g, controlled with an "imizole"; once completely ablated it will be a normal issuance on thyroid replacement, once there is an ophthalmolgogist's assessment (can create double vision).

Graves' is an oddball autoimmune condition- sometimes we can block thyroid metabolism and "wait it out", other times we cannot and we basically have to "kill the thyroid" and replace the hormone.

But we NEVER Zap the thyroid while it's "hot" so it will be some time to the first issuance. PS this runs in families. Barbara Bush had it during George HW Bush's first term....
 
bbchien said:
To add to Dr. Lou- it will be issusable on SI during stable phase, e.g, controlled with an "imizole"; once completely ablated it will be a normal issuance on thyroid replacement, once there is an ophthalmolgogist's assessment (can create double vision).

Graves' is an oddball autoimmune condition- sometimes we can block thyroid metabolism and "wait it out", other times we cannot and we basically have to "kill the thyroid" and replace the hormone.

But we NEVER Zap the thyroid while it's "hot" so it will be some time to the first issuance. PS this runs in families. Barbara Bush had it during George HW Bush's first term....
Click to expand...

Thanks Doc. He's only 14, so first issuance would be a while away, anyway.

He was only diagnosed a few days ago at the ER, so he still has a lot of tests to undergo. He's at his regular pediatrician today and I suppose will be referred to whatever kind of specialist deals with this sort of condition (I guess an endocrinologist?). He also has a younger brother who's very thin and small for his age who I think will be getting some tests, as well.

Thanks again.

Rich
 
FYI -- @texasag93's wife is a well known and respected thyroid surgeon in this area of the world. So she could be a resource for folks with medical issues around that organ.
 
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