Transient global amnesia (TGA)
What the FAA's documents say about transient global amnesia (TGA), in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
Covers: All classes
Show the FAA's words: which classes the FAA's table covers
TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIA (TGA) All Classes
Short version
The disposition table has two rows, and both defer to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Row AA single episode, 5 or more years ago | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
| Row BA single episode less than 5 years ago, or 2 or more episodes | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Transient global amnesia (TGA)
- Row A · Special Issuance
TGA, a single episode 5 or more years ago. 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. TGA Single episode 5 or more years ago Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Row B · Special Issuance
TGA, a single episode less than 5 years ago, or 2 or more lifetime episodes, which the table says should be stated. After a 6-month recovery period, the table asks for all evaluation data items in 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. TGA Single episode less than 5 years ago OR If 2 or more lifetime episodes, that should be stated After a 6-month recovery period obtain the following evaluation(s) and submit for FAA review: • All Evaluation Data items in Row A … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
The FAA pathways for transient global amnesia (TGA)
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: The neurological evaluation
Row A's first two items, which Row B also asks for.Neurological evaluation
Within 90 days before the examA current, detailed neurological evaluation, in accordance with the FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, from a clinic visit with your treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the exam.
The table's second item
The table's second item: it must specifically include if there IS or IS NOT any concern for seizure.
Show the FAA's words: The neurological evaluation
1. A current, detailed neurological evaluation, in accordance with the FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, that is generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
2. It must specifically include if there IS or IS NOT any concern for seizure.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: Brain and vessel imaging
The MRI, the MRA or CTA, and any MRI DWI from the acute period.MRI of the brain
Within 90 days before the examAn MRI of the brain, with contrast preferred if clinically appropriate, performed no more than 90 days before the exam.
How it is sent
- The interpretive report on paper
- The imaging on CD in DICOM readable format, with a file named 'DICOMDIR' in the root directory of the CD-ROM
- Check the CD displays the images before sending
- A copy of all films to keep, if you wish, as a safeguard if lost in the mail
MRA or CTA of the head and neck
An MR angiogram (MRA) or CT angiogram (CTA) of both the head and neck.
MRI DWI from the acute period
If performed in the acute period after the episode.
If performed in the acute period after the episode.
If imaging (MRI DWI brain) was performed in the acute period after the episode: both the reports and the images.
Show the FAA's words: Brain and vessel imaging
3. MRI brain* (Prefer with contrast, if clinically appropriate.) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain performed no more than 90 days before the AME exam. • Submit 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). Please verify the CD will display the images before sending. You may wish to retain a copy of all films as a safeguard if lost in the mail.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
4. MR angiogram (MRA) or CT angiogram (CTA) of both the head and neck*. • Carotid Doppler may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis. Generally, this is not preferred because it does not evaluate intracranial circulation. (The pilot may still need an MRA).
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Note: If imaging (MRI DWI brain) was performed in the acute period after the episode, it should be submitted (both reports and images).
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
3. MRI brain*
of both the head and neck*.
5. EEG*
*Submit the reports and the actual images in DICOM format on CD.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 3: EEG and heart tests
The EEG, and an echo and a prolonged ECG if already performed.EEG
An EEG.
The EEG
- Sleep deprived and sleep awake state
- With activating procedures (with provocation)
Echocardiogram (echo)
If already performed.
If already performed.
An echocardiogram (echo), if already performed.
Prolonged ECG
If already performed.
If already performed.
A prolonged ECG such as a Holter or loop recorder, or a telemetry reading from the hospital, if already performed.
Show the FAA's words: EEG and heart tests
5. EEG* Sleep deprived and sleep awake state with activating procedures (with provocation).
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
6. Echocardiogram (Echo), if already performed.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
7. Prolonged ECG such as a Holter or loop recorder (or telemetry reading from hospital), if already performed.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
3. MRI brain*
of both the head and neck*.
5. EEG*
*Submit the reports and the actual images in DICOM format on CD.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 4: Hospital records, follow-up notes and other tests
Row A's last three items, which Row B also asks for.Hospital records
If there was any hospitalization for this condition.
If there was any hospitalization for this condition.
Records from any hospitalization for this condition.
To include
- Admission history and physical
- Hospital discharge summary
- Hospital consultant reports
- Operative or procedure reports
- Pathology reports
- Radiology reports, the interpretive reports of all diagnostic imaging
- Lab reports, including all drug or alcohol testing performed
- The EMS or ambulance run sheet
Typically not sufficient as the discharge summary
- Not: The patient portal notes or after visit summary [AVS] that can be printed from the electronic medical record
Do not submit
- Not: Miscellaneous hospital records such as flowsheets, nursing notes, physician orders, or medication administration records
Progress notes from all follow-up visits
Progress notes from all clinic follow-up visits related to this condition.
Other tests
Other tests already performed or as clinically indicated.
Show the FAA's words: Hospital records, follow-up notes and other tests
8. Records from any hospitalization(s) for this condition to include: • Admission History and Physical;
• Hospital Discharge Summary (Typically, the patient portal notes or after visit summary [AVS] that can be printed from the electronic medical record are NOT sufficient for pilot medical certification purposes.) • Hospital consultant report(s) (such as neurology, cardiology, internal medicine, or other specialists); • Operative/procedure report(s); • Pathology report(s); • Radiology reports. The interpretive report(s) of all diagnostic imaging (CT Scan, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, or others) performed; • Lab report(s) including all drug or alcohol testing performed; • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/ambulance run sheet;
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
• DO NOT submit miscellaneous hospital records such as flowsheets, nursing notes, physician orders, or medication administration records.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
9. Progress notes from all clinic follow-up visits related to this condition;
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
10. Other tests already performed or as clinically indicated.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 5: See your AME
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.Exam day- 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.
Show the FAA's words: See your AME
A. TGA Single episode 5 or more years ago Submit the following for FAA review:
DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
FAA source: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). 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.
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 defersRow BDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
After a 6-month recovery period, the table asks for all evaluation data items in 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
- Row A · Special Issuance
TGA, a single episode 5 or more years ago. 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. TGA Single episode 5 or more years ago Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Row B · Special Issuance
TGA, a single episode less than 5 years ago, or 2 or more lifetime episodes, which the table says should be stated. After a 6-month recovery period, the table asks for all evaluation data items in 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. TGA Single episode less than 5 years ago OR If 2 or more lifetime episodes, that should be stated After a 6-month recovery period obtain the following evaluation(s) and submit for FAA review: • All Evaluation Data items in Row A … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The table marks Row A, a single episode 5 or more years ago, DEFER.
The table marks Row B, a single episode less than 5 years ago or 2 or more lifetime episodes, DEFER.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. A current, detailed neurological evaluation, in accordance with the FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the exam.
- Item 2. The table's second item, which reads that it must specifically include if there IS or IS NOT any concern for seizure. The item does not say what "it" refers to.
- Item 3. An MRI of the brain, with contrast preferred if clinically appropriate, performed no more than 90 days before the exam, with the interpretive report on paper and the imaging on CD in DICOM readable format.
- Item 4. An MR angiogram (MRA) or CT angiogram (CTA) of both the head and neck.
- Item 5. An EEG, sleep deprived and sleep awake state with activating procedures (with provocation).
- Item 6. An echocardiogram (echo), if already performed.
- Item 7. A prolonged ECG such as a Holter or loop recorder (or a telemetry reading from the hospital), if already performed.
- Item 8. Records from any hospitalization(s) for this condition, to include what the table lists.
- Item 9. Progress notes from all clinic follow-up visits related to this condition.
- Item 10. Other tests already performed or as clinically indicated.
- Item 11. If imaging (MRI DWI brain) was performed in the acute period after the episode, both the reports and the images.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The table marks Row A, a single episode 5 or more years ago, DEFER.
A. TGA Single episode 5 or more years ago … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Reason 2
The table marks Row B, a single episode less than 5 years ago or 2 or more lifetime episodes, DEFER.
B. TGA Single episode less than 5 years ago OR If 2 or more lifetime episodes, that should be stated … 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, in accordance with the 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, in accordance with the FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, that is generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
- Item 2
The table's second item, which reads that it must specifically include if there IS or IS NOT any concern for seizure. The item does not say what "it" refers to.
2. It must specifically include if there IS or IS NOT any concern for seizure.
- Item 3
An MRI of the brain, with contrast preferred if clinically appropriate, performed no more than 90 days before the exam, with the interpretive report on paper and the imaging on CD in DICOM readable format.
3. MRI brain* (Prefer with contrast, if clinically appropriate.) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain performed no more than 90 days before the AME exam. • Submit the interpretive report on paper and imaging on CD in DICOM readable format
- Item 4
An MR angiogram (MRA) or CT angiogram (CTA) of both the head and neck.
4. MR angiogram (MRA) or CT angiogram (CTA) of both the head and neck*.
- Item 5
An EEG, sleep deprived and sleep awake state with activating procedures (with provocation).
5. EEG* Sleep deprived and sleep awake state with activating procedures (with provocation).
- Item 6
An echocardiogram (echo), if already performed.
6. Echocardiogram (Echo), if already performed.
- Item 7
A prolonged ECG such as a Holter or loop recorder (or a telemetry reading from the hospital), if already performed.
7. Prolonged ECG such as a Holter or loop recorder (or telemetry reading from hospital), if already performed.
- Item 8
Records from any hospitalization(s) for this condition, to include what the table lists.
8. Records from any hospitalization(s) for this condition to include:
- Item 9
Progress notes from all clinic follow-up visits related to this condition.
9. Progress notes from all clinic follow-up visits related to this condition;
- Item 10
Other tests already performed or as clinically indicated.
10. Other tests already performed or as clinically indicated.
- Item 11
If imaging (MRI DWI brain) was performed in the acute period after the episode, both the reports and the images.
Note: If imaging (MRI DWI brain) was performed in the acute period after the episode, it should be submitted (both reports and images).
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.
Row B's note says "or" where Row A lists three items
Row B asks for all evaluation data items in Row A, which lists an MRI of the brain, an MRA or CTA of both the head and neck, and an EEG as separate items. Row B's note says MRI, MRA/CTA, or electroencephalogram (EEG) studies are required. Both are shown as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 1
• All Evaluation Data items in Row A … MRI, MRA/CTA, or electroencephalogram (EEG) studies are required.
3. MRI brain* … 4. MR angiogram (MRA) or CT angiogram (CTA) of both the head and neck*. … 5. EEG* Sleep deprived and sleep awake state with activating procedures (with provocation).
The recovery period may be reduced, and the evaluation items stay
Row B's note says that if the MRI DWI shows classic TGA findings, the 6-month recovery period may be reduced. It then says this waives the recovery period only, and the evaluation items are still required. The table uses both "reduced" and "waives", and both are shown as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
If the MRI DWI shows classic TGA findings, the 6-month recovery period may be reduced. This waives the recovery period only. The evaluation items are still required.
Two or more lifetime episodes are Row B
Row B includes 2 or more lifetime episodes, and the table says that should be stated. It does not say where.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
B. TGA Single episode less than 5 years ago OR If 2 or more lifetime episodes, that should be stated
A carotid Doppler, case by case
For the MRA or CTA of both the head and neck, the table says a carotid Doppler may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis, that generally this is not preferred because it does not evaluate intracranial circulation, and that the pilot may still need an MRA.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
• Carotid Doppler may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis. Generally, this is not preferred because it does not evaluate intracranial circulation. (The pilot may still need an MRA).
Portal notes and visit summaries from the hospital
For the hospital discharge summary, the table says that typically, the patient portal notes or after visit summary [AVS] that can be printed from the electronic medical record are NOT sufficient for pilot medical certification purposes.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 5
(Typically, the patient portal notes or after visit summary [AVS] that can be printed from the electronic medical record are NOT sufficient for pilot medical certification purposes.)
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.
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.