Latent epilepsy in pilots: two case reports.

Although epilepsy is rare in aviation personnel, 2 long-term duty pilots were discovered to have latent epilepsy. The first case presented is that of a 36-year-old male pilot, with 16 years' flight time, and the second case describes a 30-year-old male Black Hawk pilot with 11 years' duty time. Both reportedly experienced a sudden onset of tonic and clonic convulsions after they had been exposed to stressful conditions. Both of their clinical presentations were consistent with grand mal epilepsy, and their electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were consistent with epilepsy. Both were subsequently suspended from flying duties. An EEG has since been added as part of the pilot selection medical examination in the Royal Jordanian Air Force Medical Services.