Seizures and epilepsy
What the FAA's documents say about seizures and epilepsy, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
FAA term: Seizure, and Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder)Covers: All classes
Show the FAA's words: which classes the FAA's table covers
SEIZURE All Classes … EPILEPSY (Seizure Disorder) All Classes
- Seizure Row B says that if a seizure is due to TBI or is a post concussive seizure, see that section. Crosscheck has a page on concussion and head injury, written from the FAA's Head Injury or Brain Injury table.
Short version
The FAA's document has a Seizure table and an Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder) table.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Seizure Row AA simple febrile seizure at age 5 or younger | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Seizure Row BA single seizure, even provoked by a known cause that was corrected | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
| Seizure Row CA single unprovoked seizure, or a complex febrile seizure | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
| Epilepsy Row AEpilepsy by history: seizure-free 10 years, off medication 3 years | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
| Epilepsy Row BSeLECTS: seizure-free 4 years, off medication the last 2 years | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Seizures and epilepsy
- Seizure Row A · Examiner can issue
A simple febrile seizure occurring at age 5 or younger (fever seizure/febrile seizure). The table says ISSUE if the examiner can determine all of the following apply -- a single seizure only; the condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; no recurrence; no anticonvulsant medication given; and the condition has resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties. If the examiner is unable to determine all of this, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist, will be required, and the table says ISSUE if it verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure. The examiner annotates this information in Block 60. The row says all others, go to Row C.
A. Simple Febrile Seizure occurring at Age 5 or younger (fever seizure/febrile seizure) If the AME can determine all of the following apply: • A single seizure only; • Condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; • NO recurrence; • NO anticonvulsant medication given; AND • Condition has resolved without sequelae with NO symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties: If the AME is unable to determine all of the above information, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist will be required. If the neurology evaluation verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure: ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60. All others, go to Row C
- Seizure Row B · Special Issuance
A single seizure, even provoked by a known cause which has been corrected. The row says it may be due to electrolyte or severe metabolic imbalance; medication use; or convulsive syncope. If due to TBI or post concussive seizure, it says see that section; if due to drug or alcohol withdrawal, see the D&A section. After a one (1)-year recovery period, 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.
B. Single seizure even provoked by a known cause which has been corrected May be due to: Electrolyte or severe metabolic imbalance; Medication use; or Convulsive syncope; If due to TBI or post concussive seizure - see that section If due to drug or alcohol withdrawal - see D&A section After a One (1)-year recovery period, submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
- Seizure Row C · Special Issuance
A single seizure event, unprovoked (no known cause), or a complex febrile seizure; atypical/complex febrile seizures; or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child (usually age 5 or younger). The row's note says that if 2 or more seizures in a lifetime, from any cause, go to the Epilepsy section. After a four (4)-year recovery period, with the last two (2) years without anticonvulsant medication, the table asks for all information in Row B to be submitted for FAA review, and says that upon review, additional information may be required. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
C. Single seizure event UNPROVOKED (No known cause) OR Complex febrile seizure; Atypical/complex febrile seizures; or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child (usually age 5 or younger). Note: If 2 or more seizures in a lifetime, from any cause, go to the Epilepsy section. After a four (4)-year recovery period and the last two (2) years must be without anticonvulsant medication, submit the following for FAA review: • All information in Row B. Upon review, additional information may be required. DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
- Epilepsy Row A · Special Issuance
Epilepsy by history, seizure-free for ten (10) years and off medication for the last 3 years. After a ten (10)-year seizure-free recovery period, the table lists what to obtain and submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
EPILEPSY (Seizure Disorder) … A. Epilepsy by history Seizure-free for ten (10) years AND Off medication for the last 3 years After a ten (10)-year seizure-free recovery period, obtain the following and submit for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Epilepsy Row B · Special Issuance
SeLECTS (self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes), seizure-free for four (4) years and off medication for the last two (2) years. The row says this condition may also be called Rolandic epilepsy, benign Rolandic epilepsy (BRE), BECTS (benign epilepsy with central temporal spikes), or CECTS (childhood epilepsy with central temporal spikes). After a four (4)-year seizure-free recovery period, the table asks for the evaluation data of Row A to be obtained and submitted for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
B. SeLECTS (Self-limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes). Seizure-free for four (4) years AND Off medication for the last two (2) years This condition may also be called: • Rolandic Epilepsy, • Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE), • BECTS (Benign Epilepsy with Central Temporal Spikes), or • CECTS (Childhood Epilepsy with Central Temporal Spikes) After a four (4)-year seizure-free recovery period, obtain and submit for FAA review: • Evaluation Data Row A DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
The FAA pathways for seizures and epilepsy
Which one describes yours?
The FAA's table sorts it these ways. Choose yours to see its plan.
Your step-by-step plan
Step 1: Seizure Row A: what the examiner determines
A simple febrile seizure at age 5 or younger.If your AME is unable to determine all of what Row A lists.
If your AME is unable to determine all of what Row A lists.
If your AME is unable to determine all of what Row A lists, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, from a clinic visit with your treating neurologist, will be required.
If your AME can determine all of these
- A single seizure only
- The condition fully resolved age 5 or younger
- No recurrence
- No anticonvulsant medication given
- The condition has resolved without sequelae, with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties
At the exam
- Your AME annotates this information in Block 60
- All others go to Row C
Show the FAA's words: Seizure Row A: what the examiner determines
If the AME is unable to determine all of the above information, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist will be required. If the neurology evaluation verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure: ISSUE
FAA source: Seizures and Epilepsy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
If the AME can determine all of the following apply: • A single seizure only; • Condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; • NO recurrence; • NO anticonvulsant medication given; AND • Condition has resolved without sequelae with NO symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties:
ISSUE
FAA source: Seizures and Epilepsy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Annotate this information in Block 60. All others, go to Row C
FAA source: Seizures and Epilepsy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60.
FAA source: Seizures and Epilepsy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: See your AME
The table says ISSUE if the examiner can determine all of the following apply -- a single seizure only; the condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; no recurrence; no anticonvulsant medication given; and the condition has resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties. If the examiner is unable to determine all of this, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist, will be required, and the table says ISSUE if it verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure. The examiner annotates this information in Block 60. The row says all others, go to Row C.Exam day- The table says ISSUE if the examiner can determine all of the following apply -- a single seizure only; the condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; no recurrence; no anticonvulsant medication given; and the condition has resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties. If the examiner is unable to determine all of this, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist, will be required, and the table says ISSUE if it verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure. The examiner annotates this information in Block 60. The row says all others, go to Row C.
Show the FAA's words: See your AME
A. Simple Febrile Seizure occurring at Age 5 or younger (fever seizure/febrile seizure) If the AME can determine all of the following apply: • A single seizure only; • Condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; • NO recurrence; • NO anticonvulsant medication given; AND • Condition has resolved without sequelae with NO symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties: If the AME is unable to determine all of the above information, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist will be required. If the neurology evaluation verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure: ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60. All others, go to Row C
FAA source: Seizures and Epilepsy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
It depends on which row of the FAA's table describes the case.
Seizure Row AExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
The table says ISSUE if the examiner can determine all of the following apply -- a single seizure only; the condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; no recurrence; no anticonvulsant medication given; and the condition has resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties. If the examiner is unable to determine all of this, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist, will be required, and the table says ISSUE if it verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure. The examiner annotates this information in Block 60. The row says all others, go to Row C.
Seizure Row BDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
After a one (1)-year recovery period, 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 defersSeizure Row CDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
After a four (4)-year recovery period, with the last two (2) years without anticonvulsant medication, the table asks for all information in Row B to be submitted for FAA review, and says that upon review, additional information may be required. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defersEpilepsy Row ADefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
After a ten (10)-year seizure-free recovery period, the table lists what to obtain and submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defersEpilepsy Row BDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
After a four (4)-year seizure-free recovery period, the table asks for the evaluation data of Row A to be obtained and submitted 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
- Seizure Row A · Examiner can issue
A simple febrile seizure occurring at age 5 or younger (fever seizure/febrile seizure). The table says ISSUE if the examiner can determine all of the following apply -- a single seizure only; the condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; no recurrence; no anticonvulsant medication given; and the condition has resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties. If the examiner is unable to determine all of this, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist, will be required, and the table says ISSUE if it verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure. The examiner annotates this information in Block 60. The row says all others, go to Row C.
A. Simple Febrile Seizure occurring at Age 5 or younger (fever seizure/febrile seizure) If the AME can determine all of the following apply: • A single seizure only; • Condition fully resolved age 5 or younger; • NO recurrence; • NO anticonvulsant medication given; AND • Condition has resolved without sequelae with NO symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties: If the AME is unable to determine all of the above information, a detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist will be required. If the neurology evaluation verifies the condition was a simple febrile seizure: ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60. All others, go to Row C
- Seizure Row B · Special Issuance
A single seizure, even provoked by a known cause which has been corrected. The row says it may be due to electrolyte or severe metabolic imbalance; medication use; or convulsive syncope. If due to TBI or post concussive seizure, it says see that section; if due to drug or alcohol withdrawal, see the D&A section. After a one (1)-year recovery period, 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.
B. Single seizure even provoked by a known cause which has been corrected May be due to: Electrolyte or severe metabolic imbalance; Medication use; or Convulsive syncope; If due to TBI or post concussive seizure - see that section If due to drug or alcohol withdrawal - see D&A section After a One (1)-year recovery period, submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
- Seizure Row C · Special Issuance
A single seizure event, unprovoked (no known cause), or a complex febrile seizure; atypical/complex febrile seizures; or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child (usually age 5 or younger). The row's note says that if 2 or more seizures in a lifetime, from any cause, go to the Epilepsy section. After a four (4)-year recovery period, with the last two (2) years without anticonvulsant medication, the table asks for all information in Row B to be submitted for FAA review, and says that upon review, additional information may be required. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
C. Single seizure event UNPROVOKED (No known cause) OR Complex febrile seizure; Atypical/complex febrile seizures; or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child (usually age 5 or younger). Note: If 2 or more seizures in a lifetime, from any cause, go to the Epilepsy section. After a four (4)-year recovery period and the last two (2) years must be without anticonvulsant medication, submit the following for FAA review: • All information in Row B. Upon review, additional information may be required. DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
- Epilepsy Row A · Special Issuance
Epilepsy by history, seizure-free for ten (10) years and off medication for the last 3 years. After a ten (10)-year seizure-free recovery period, the table lists what to obtain and submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
EPILEPSY (Seizure Disorder) … A. Epilepsy by history Seizure-free for ten (10) years AND Off medication for the last 3 years After a ten (10)-year seizure-free recovery period, obtain the following and submit for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Epilepsy Row B · Special Issuance
SeLECTS (self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes), seizure-free for four (4) years and off medication for the last two (2) years. The row says this condition may also be called Rolandic epilepsy, benign Rolandic epilepsy (BRE), BECTS (benign epilepsy with central temporal spikes), or CECTS (childhood epilepsy with central temporal spikes). After a four (4)-year seizure-free recovery period, the table asks for the evaluation data of Row A to be obtained and submitted for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
B. SeLECTS (Self-limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes). Seizure-free for four (4) years AND Off medication for the last two (2) years This condition may also be called: • Rolandic Epilepsy, • Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (BRE), • BECTS (Benign Epilepsy with Central Temporal Spikes), or • CECTS (Childhood Epilepsy with Central Temporal Spikes) After a four (4)-year seizure-free recovery period, obtain and submit for FAA review: • Evaluation Data Row A DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The Seizure table marks Row B, a single seizure even provoked by a known cause which has been corrected, DEFER.
The Seizure table marks Row C, a single unprovoked seizure event, or a complex febrile seizure, atypical/complex febrile seizures, or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child, DEFER.
The Epilepsy table marks Row A, epilepsy by history, DEFER.
The Epilepsy table marks Row B, SeLECTS, DEFER.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The Seizure table marks Row B, a single seizure even provoked by a known cause which has been corrected, DEFER.
B. Single seizure even provoked by a known cause which has been corrected … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
- Reason 2
The Seizure table marks Row C, a single unprovoked seizure event, or a complex febrile seizure, atypical/complex febrile seizures, or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child, DEFER.
C. Single seizure event UNPROVOKED (No known cause) OR Complex febrile seizure; Atypical/complex febrile seizures; or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
- Reason 3
The Epilepsy table marks Row A, epilepsy by history, DEFER.
A. Epilepsy by history … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Reason 4
The Epilepsy table marks Row B, SeLECTS, DEFER.
B. SeLECTS (Self-limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes). … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
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.
The two tables carry their own dates
The FAA's document holds two tables, each with its own date. The Seizure table is updated 01/25/2023, and the Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder) table is updated 05/31/2023. The date shown for the document as a whole is the Seizure table's.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 1
SEIZURE All Classes (Updated 01/25/2023) … EPILEPSY (Seizure Disorder) All Classes (Updated 05/31/2023)
Febrile seizures, and two or more seizures
Seizure Row C lists atypical/complex febrile seizures and febrile seizures treated with medication as a child, in the plural. Its note says that if 2 or more seizures in a lifetime, from any cause, go to the Epilepsy section. The table does not say how the two fit together, and this page shows both as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
Complex febrile seizure; Atypical/complex febrile seizures; or febrile seizures treated with medication as a child (usually age 5 or younger). Note: If 2 or more seizures in a lifetime, from any cause, go to the Epilepsy section.
The Epilepsy table's two rows
The Epilepsy table has two rows, epilepsy by history, seizure-free for ten (10) years and off medication for the last 3 years, and SeLECTS, seizure-free for four (4) years and off medication for the last two (2) years. Both are marked DEFER.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
A. Epilepsy by history Seizure-free for ten (10) years AND Off medication for the last 3 years … B. SeLECTS (Self-limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes). Seizure-free for four (4) years AND Off medication for the last two (2) years … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
The two tables send the EEG differently
For the EEG, Seizure Row B asks for BOTH the interpretive report on paper and imaging on CD in DICOM readable format. Epilepsy Row A asks for BOTH the interpretive report(s) on paper and a copy of the EEG recording(s) on CD with proprietary opening software that is compatible with Windows 10. Each is shown as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
4. Electroencephalogram (EEG) performed no more than 12 months before the AME exam. … • Submit BOTH the interpretive report on paper and imaging on CD in DICOM readable format (there must be a file named 'DICOMDIR' in the root directory of the CD-ROM). … • Submit BOTH the interpretive report(s) on paper and a copy of … the EEG recording(s) on CD with proprietary opening software that is compatible with Windows 10.
The questionnaire's two names
The tables ask for the FAA Airman Seizure Questionnaire completed by the applicant. The form at the end of the document is titled FAA Pilot/ATCS Seizure Questionnaire, and says that if the seizures occurred when the airman was a child, a parent or guardian familiar with the episodes should complete it. Both are shown as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 5
FAA Airman Seizure Questionnaire completed by the applicant. … FAA Pilot/ATCS Seizure Questionnaire … If the seizures occurred when the airman was a child, a parent or guardian familiar with the episodes should complete this questionnaire.
A longer recovery period in some cases
Seizure Row B's note says that in some cases, a longer recovery period will be required based on the underlying cause.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 6
Note: In some cases, a longer recovery period will be required based on the underlying cause.
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.
- Seizures and EpilepsyOpen to print: Seizures and Epilepsy, a PDF at the FAA, in a new tab
Examiner can issue, 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.