Page 28 - SSB MED EBOOK

Fits and convulsions. History of epilepsy in a candidate is a cause

for rejection. Convulsions/fits after the age of five are also a cause

for rejection. Convulsions in infancy may not be of ominous nature

provided it appears that the convulsions were febrile convulsions

and were not associated with any overt neurological deficit. Causes

of epilepsy include genetic factors, traumatic brain injury, stroke,

infection, demyelinating and degenerative disorders, birth defects,

substance abuse and withdrawal seizures. Enquiry should not be

limited only to the occurrence of major attacks. Complex Partial

seizures may masquerade as “faints” and therefore the frequency

and the conditions under which “faints” took place must be elicited.

Such attacks indicate unsuitability for flying, whatever their

apparent nature. An isolated fainting attack calls for enquiry into all

the attendant factors to distinguish between syncope and seizures.

For e.g. fainting in school is of common occurrence and may have

little significance. Other complex partial seizures may manifest as

vegetative movements as lip smacking, chewing, staring, dazed

appearance and periods of unresponsiveness. In any event, a

prolonged period of freedom from recurrence must have elapsed

before fitness for flying duties can be considered and if the

electroencephalogram does not show any specific abnormality.

Heat stroke. History of repeated attacks of heat stroke,

hyperpyrexia or heat exhaustion bars employment for duties, as it

is an evidence of a faulty heat regulating mechanism. A single

severe attack of heat effects, provided the history of exposure was

severe, and no permanent sequelae were evident is, by itself, not a

reason for rejecting the candidate.