Migraine - How likely is a waiver?

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hopefulfor2017

5-Year Member
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Mar 4, 2012
Messages
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Hi everyone,

I get fairly infrequent migraines, but when I do get them they are pretty severe. I can't really see properly for about 15 minutes then pain starts and lasts for about 3 hours.

They have never gotten in the way of me doing important stuff and I only get about 10 per year. Also, my family has a history of outgrowing migraines once they reach college age.

I am fairly certain my trigger for migraines is long-distance running/intense exercise on an empty stomach. My doctor has prescribed me some medication for the pain but I stopped taking it as soon as I realised medication would hurt my chances of getting a waiver.

I have a really good record otherwise with strong academics and sports. Other than my migraines I am hardly ever sick!

The air force academy is my ultimate dream so any word of advice would be great!
 
There's no real advice that can be given, other than "apply; fill out the medical questionnaire; take your physical; and see what happens.

But from a non-trained medical doctor's perspective: If you can't see properly for about 15 minutes, and you have severe pain for hours, and you are prescribed medication but choose not to take it, and you think your migraines are triggered by running/intense exercise on an empty stomach; (Which in combat, you can't rely on stopping a battle so you can eat, and military life revolves around running and intense exercise); exactly how much do you think such a condition could affect your performance. It would be great if you could sign up for military jobs that were guaranteed to never be in battle where lives, including your own could be at risk. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Whether you're a soldier, sailor, airman, etc..., no matter your AFSC/MOS/Job; your primary job is to fight and defend. Maybe you should look at other ways of serving your country.

But again; I'm not a doctor. So my original recommendation stands. Apply; fill out the forms; take the physical; and let the chips fall where they may. But do not be upset, surprised, or disappointed if you aren't given a waiver. Best of luck to you.
 
Thank you Christcorp for your reply. I am starting to realise that my chances are quite slim. The last thing I want is to put the people I am leading at risk by my migraines. I will still apply but I am not getting my hopes up and I will respect the judgement of the admissions department without any resentment. They know what is safe better than I do!
 
As noted above the worst that can happen is you apply and are denied. If you don't apply you will never know.

Migraines do seem to lessen in a subset of people as they progress through puberty; however, others get worse. Some go away for many years only to recur later.

In general I think based on your current symptoms it would be hard to get a waiver; however, if things get better over the next several years it may be possible to get a waiver at that point and still commission through a different source such as OCS/OTS, etc.
 
Thanks for your advice kp2001. I will definitely pursue a degree and maybe afterwards if my migraines have lessened/stopped altogether (fingers crossed!) I can go for OTS and become an officer that way.
 
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