Dystonia
What the FAA's documents say about dystonia, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
FAA term: Dystonia (Including Torticollis)Covers: All classes
Show the FAA's words: which classes the FAA's table covers
DYSTONIA (Including Torticollis) All Classes
Short version
The FAA's table has one row for it.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Row AAny history of dystonia at any time, including torticollis | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Dystonia
- Row A · Special Issuance
Any history of dystonia at any time. The table says this includes cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis or torticollis). The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
A. Any history of Dystonia at any time This includes cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis or torticollis) … Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
The FAA pathways for dystonia
Your plan
Step 1: What to submit for FAA review
Any history of dystonia at any time, including cervical dystonia.Neurological evaluation
Within 90 days before the examA current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, from a clinic visit with your treating neurologist, no more than 90 days before the exam.
Other testing
Any performed or deemed necessary by the treating physician.
Any performed or deemed necessary by the treating physician.
Any other testing performed or deemed necessary by your treating physician.
Show the FAA's words: What to submit for FAA review
1. A current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
FAA source: Dystonia. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
2. Any other testing performed or deemed necessary by the treating physician.
FAA source: Dystonia. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
Row ADefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Row A · Special Issuance
Any history of dystonia at any time. The table says this includes cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis or torticollis). The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
A. Any history of Dystonia at any time This includes cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis or torticollis) … Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The table marks its one row, any history of dystonia at any time, DEFER.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. A current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the exam.
- Item 2. Any other testing performed or deemed necessary by the treating physician.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The table marks its one row, any history of dystonia at any time, DEFER.
A. Any history of Dystonia at any time … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1
A current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the exam.
1. A current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
- Item 2
Any other testing performed or deemed necessary by the treating physician.
2. Any other testing performed or deemed necessary by the treating physician.
What a Special Issuance is
The Guide says an Authorization for Special Issuance, valid for a specified period, may be granted at the Federal Air Surgeon's discretion to a person who does not meet the established medical standards, if the person shows to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety during the period the Authorization would be in force.
How the FAA pathways workGood to know
Points from the FAA's own documents that are easy to miss.
Any history, at any time
The table's one row is any history of dystonia at any time, and the table marks it DEFER. The row says this includes cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis or torticollis).
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 1
A. Any history of Dystonia at any time This includes cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis or torticollis) … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
The evaluation meets the FAA's specifications
The table asks for a neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation. The table names those specifications and does not set them out, and this page does not quote them.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
A current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation
FAA sources
Every FAA document this page relies on, with the FAA's own date and the date Crosscheck last read it. The documents to print open at the FAA, so they are always the FAA's current ones.
- DystoniaOpen to print: Dystonia, a PDF at the FAA, in a new tab
Special Issuance
This reports what the FAA has published. It is not medical advice, and it does not say how the FAA or an examiner will decide a case.