Vasovagal Syncope

[RemoveBeforeFly]

I’m hoping to get some guidance on a potential hurdle regarding my private pilot medical. I’m concerned about a swallowing-induced vasovagal syncope that occurred about a year ago – the doctor at the time described it as a textbook example. It happened while I was slightly dehydrated and hadn’t eaten much beforehand. I swallowed a large amount of air while eating quickly, which caused the swallowing-induced vasovagal syncope. I was monitored for a few hours, including an ECG, chest X-ray, and blood work, all of which were unremarkable. The advice was to drink more water and eat more slowly, and I was released without any further restrictions.

I’ve never experienced this since, and it seems like a clearly defined, manageable trigger. I also took ADHD medication 20+ years ago, which I understand shouldn’t be a concern unless there’s a specific concern regarding its long-term effects.

It’s this history that’s causing me anxiety about pursuing my PPL. I believe I meet the criteria for a medical, given the identifiable trigger and avoidance strategies. I’d be grateful for any advice on what steps I should take before attempting to obtain a medical certificate.
Specifically, I’m looking for resources to understand the process, what to expect, and what I can do to increase my chances of success. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

[bbchien]

(1) Syncope: Prove it's not some of the underlying conditions: Stress treadmill urn through 9 minutes and 90% of your age related heart rate VMax, 24 hour rhythm monitor, and current Echocardiogram, + thorough clincical description of the event, from a phyiscian
(2) ADD- can you substantiate that it been more than 4 years since any Rx for same? (Fast track).

Well done (lots of documentation) if it's as you outline an AME COULD issue this in the office.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

It’s this history that’s causing me anxiety about pursuing my PPL.

It's apprehension. The word is apprehension.

(Diagnosed) anxiety makes it even more complicated!

 

[Lindberg]

I’m hoping to get some guidance on a potential hurdle regarding my private pilot medical. I’m concerned about a swallowing-induced vasovagal syncope that occurred about a year ago – the doctor at the time described it as a textbook example. It happened while I was slightly dehydrated and hadn’t eaten much beforehand. I swallowed a large amount of air while eating quickly, which caused the swallowing-induced vasovagal syncope. I was monitored for a few hours, including an ECG, chest X-ray, and blood work, all of which were unremarkable. The advice was to drink more water and eat more slowly, and I was released without any further restrictions.

I’ve never experienced this since, and it seems like a clearly defined, manageable trigger. I also took ADHD medication 20+ years ago, which I understand shouldn’t be a concern unless there’s a specific concern regarding its long-term effects.

It’s this history that’s causing me anxiety about pursuing my PPL. I believe I meet the criteria for a medical, given the identifiable trigger and avoidance strategies. I’d be grateful for any advice on what steps I should take before attempting to obtain a medical certificate.
Specifically, I’m looking for resources to understand the process, what to expect, and what I can do to increase my chances of success. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Find a hard-case AME. Book a CONSULTATION. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[RemoveBeforeFly]

It's apprehension. The word is apprehension.

(Diagnosed) anxiety makes it even more complicated!

Haha fair enough, a better way to word it would have been to say I am questioning pursuing my PPL.

Find a hard-case AME. Book a CONSULTATION. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I think this is probably the best way to go for me right now. I will get a consultation to see exactly where everything stands before making a decision. How exactly can I go about finding a 'hard-case' AME though? With the new MOSAIC rules, I’m mainly wondering: should I get a sport certificate, or should I go for the full PPL? I really appreciate all the information you’ve all shared, and I’m hoping for some good news.

 

[Lindberg]

How exactly can I go about finding a 'hard-case' AME though?

Tell us where you are, and someone might suggest one. Otherwise, ask local pilots.

With the new MOSAIC rules, I’m mainly wondering: should I get a sport certificate, or should I go for the full PPL?

An AME consultation would inform that decision. But if Sport meets all your current and future needs, you might not mess with it.

 

[RemoveBeforeFly]

Tell us where you are, and someone might suggest one. Otherwise, ask local pilots.

An AME consultation would inform that decision. But if Sport meets all your current and future needs, you might not mess with it.

I am located in the south central PA region.

As far as sport goes I think it would cover about 90% of what I want to do. Thins like the occasional small weekend trips, just for fun flights and the $100 burger run here or there. Personally I would like the ability to get an instrument rating as well as to fly at night. The question becomes if this is as straightforward as I hope or if I should just be happy with 90% and not bother with the extra effort.