title: Medical waiver for flying after microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Microvascular decompression has become the treatment of choice for hemifacial spasm. Post-surgical symptoms of vestibular dysfunction may appear, but are mostly transient. The unique occupational demands of military aviators necessitate complete otoneurological evaluation after vestibular insults to allow safe return to flying duties.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a military jet-fighter pilot who developed transient vertigo and disequilibrium after microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm. Resolution of symptoms and complete recovery as documented by vestibular bedside and laboratory tests allowed us to grant the pilot full solo flying privileges.
authors.affiliation: Israeli Air Force Aeromedical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. oriwand@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ori
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Wand
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grossman
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Assa
authors.forename: Dror
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tal
authors.forename: Avi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shupak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001359:Aviation; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004608:Eligibility Determination; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D004856:Postural Balance; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000503:physiopathology