Parkinson’s disease

Developed in collaboration with CASA Medical.

Parkinsonism is a clinical condition that has both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, postural instability, insomnia and mental health concerns such as slowed thinking and cognition, depression, anxiety, or apathy. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that can be either sporadic or, less frequently, genetic. It is caused by insufficient dopamine in the brain and cannot be cured but can be managed. Progression of disease is highly variable between individuals, which often fluctuates and can cause intermittent impairment. 

Parkinsonism can also be secondary to a variety of disorders, including infections or brain injury, but drug-induced parkinsonism is most frequent.

Parkinsonism can also be a clinical feature of other neurogenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophies, progressive supranuclear palsy or other Parkinson’s plus syndromes.

This guidance should be used for applicants with clinically confirmed Parkinson's disease, after other causes of parkinsonism have been excluded, and at least 6 months have elapsed from the first presentation for specialist neurology assessment.

Pilot and controller information

• A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease mandates grounding and reporting to the ME or CAA
• Any recurrence or deterioration in symptoms or function after certification mandates grounding and reporting to the ME. The ME will in turn notify CAA
• If there is any change in medication, including dosage, for Parkinson's disease, pilots and controllers should stand down from aviation duties and present to their ME for review prior to return to aviation activities.
• Initial applications must be assessed by CAA AvMed
• Renewal applications may be certified by MEs within the criteria outlined below. If these criteria are not met CAA AvMed assessment is required

For more information, see Medical Manual: Parkinson’s disease.