diff --git a/src/g_monster.c b/src/g_monster.c
index 8af4304..0d7dfba 100644
--- a/src/g_monster.c
+++ b/src/g_monster.c
@@ -948,7 +948,12 @@ monster_start(edict_t *self)
 	self->takedamage = DAMAGE_AIM;
 	self->air_finished = level.time + 12;
 	self->use = monster_use;
-	self->max_health = self->health;
+
+	if(!self->max_health)
+	{
+		self->max_health = self->health;
+	}
+
 	self->clipmask = MASK_MONSTERSOLID;
 
 	self->s.skinnum = 0;