Are you someone who loves to travel but worries about your seizures hindering your plans?
Do you often wonder if it’s safe to fly with seizures?
The good news is that having epilepsy doesn’t have to limit your travels.
You can enjoy a memorable trip without compromising your safety with careful planning and preparation.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some important factors to consider when flying with seizures and provide helpful tips to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
So, read on to find out more!
Flying with seizures is a concern for many people with epilepsy.
Seizures can affect people depending on which part of the brain is involved, including loss of awareness, uncontrollable jerking, and tingling in the arms or legs.
While people are not routinely barred from flying, the Aerospace Medical Association recommends that people with uncontrolled seizures avoid flying long distances on commercial airlines.
However, with proper planning and precautions, people with epilepsy can safely fly.
It is important to note that having seizures the week before a flight may increase the likelihood of seizures during and after the flight.
What Is A Seizure?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
A person may experience behavior, movements, and consciousness changes when it happens.
Seizures can happen to anyone, regardless of age.
In fact, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, over 3.4 million people in the United States have epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures.
Symptoms Of Seizures
The symptoms of a seizure can vary depending on the type of seizure and the individual.
Some common signs of seizures include sudden changes in behavior or mood, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and confusion.
In general, seizures can be classified into two main categories: focal seizures and generalized seizures.
Focal seizures occur in one specific part of the brain and can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or a sudden fear.
On the other hand, generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and can cause symptoms such as convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Causes Of Seizure
Seizures are caused by electrical activity bursts in the brain that affect normal function.
While the exact cause is often unknown, seizures may be attributed to genetic factors, brain damage, or certain medical conditions.
Epilepsy, a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures, is the fourth most common neurological disorder globally.
Is It Safe To Fly With Seizures?
Flying with seizures can be safe if you take the necessary precautions.
According to the Epilepsy Society, having epilepsy should not prevent you from traveling, but planning is crucial.
Your doctor or epilepsy nurse should know your travel plans at least eight weeks before your trip.
It is also important to check the rules and regulations of the country you are visiting regarding medication, as some countries may not allow certain medications and have different regulations for carrying them.
Packing copies of your medical records and prescriptions is recommended to make travel safer for people with epilepsy.
If you have sinus perforation symptoms, mention it to the doctor when making flying plans.
Does Flying Trigger Seizure Symptoms?
Epilepsy patients wonder if flying can trigger seizure symptoms.
Certain aspects of flying, such as flight apprehension, stress, and anxiety, might increase the risk of seizures occurring.
Research has found that flying appears to promote an increase in seizures, and the most significant effects of flight-related seizures are flight apprehension, stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, and sleep loss.
People with epilepsy are frequently afflicted with emotional disorders such as anxiety or depression, which can be extremely disabling, increase stress, and disrupt their sleep patterns.
What Are The Tips For Flying With Seizures?
Travel can be challenging for people with seizures.
However, with proper planning and precautions, it is possible to fly with seizures and make your trip safe and enjoyable.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your flight:
Wear A Medical Bracelet
Wearing a medical bracelet is crucial for anyone with a medical condition, especially when flying.
It can speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself.
Moreover, a medical bracelet can help prevent misunderstandings in situations where you cannot communicate your medical information.
It promptly alerts first responders, paramedics, and EMS personnel to critical medical information that may impact treatment decisions.
Seek Medical Advice
Before embarking on a flight, seeking medical advice to avoid seizures is a good idea.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, getting a check-up from your doctor is crucial to ensuring you’re well-prepared for the flight.
Obtaining a clearance certificate from your doctor is also essential so that you can confidently travel knowing that you’re medically fit for travel.
Make A Medication Plan
When traveling with seizures, it’s important to have a medication plan in place to ensure you always have the proper medication on hand.
Here are some tips to help make a medication plan:
1. Bring enough medication for the entire trip, plus some extra doses in case of travel delays.
2. Keep your prescriptions in their original containers with the labels clearly visible.
3. Carry your medications with you at all times. If you’re flying, don’t pack any medications in your checked luggage.
4. Ask your doctor for a letter that explains that you have epilepsy and lists the medications you take to control your seizures. This can help you navigate security concerns more easily.
5. Purchase an epilepsy alert wrist band to wear during the flight.
Travel With A Companion
Traveling with epilepsy can be a daunting experience, but having a companion who knows how to assist you if you have a seizure can provide comfort and security.
According to the Aerospace Medical Association, it is recommended that individuals who are still experiencing seizures travel with a companion.
During a seizure, your companion can inform the other passengers of what’s happening and provide first aid until medical assistance arrives, ensuring that everyone is safe and calm.
Check On The Travel Insurance Policies
When traveling with epilepsy, it’s important to consider the possibility of medical expenses needed during the flight.
One way to prepare for this is to check your travel insurance policies and make sure they cover any medical expenses that may arise.
In addition, it’s important to carry a letter from your doctor describing your ability to travel and outlining what to do if a seizure occurs.
By taking these precautions and checking your travel insurance policies, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience despite the challenges of epilepsy.
What Are The Risks Of Flying With Seizures
Flying with seizures can pose certain risks that epileptics must consider before planning a trip.
While it is generally safe, some aspects of flying, such as stress, anxiety, and jet lag, may trigger seizures, especially in those with uncontrolled seizures.
Additionally, longer flights disrupt biological rhythms, and hypoxia episodes caused by low oxygen levels in the cabin can increase the risk of in-flight seizures.
Suppose if you flying with hernia the cabin pressure might lead to a strangulated hernia.
Jet Lag
Jet lag is a common concern for travelers, especially those with medical conditions like epilepsy.
According to the Epilepsy Society, “traveling across several time zones can disrupt your sleep and may trigger a seizure.”
While jet lag affects everyone differently, it can potentially cause seizures for those with epilepsy.
To prevent or manage jet lag, individuals with epilepsy should consider the following tips:
Speak to your GP or epilepsy nurse about your travel plans at least eight weeks before your trip. They can advise you on medication adjustments and other measures to prevent seizures while traveling.
Adjust your sleep schedule before and after your flight to align with the destination time zone.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine during the flight, which can disrupt sleep and trigger seizures.
Take breaks and exercise during the flight to reduce stiffness and fatigue.
While jet lag can be a potential trigger for seizures, proper planning and measures can help individuals with epilepsy manage it and enjoy their travels.
Stress
Stress is a common trigger for seizures, and for epileptics who plan to fly, it’s essential to manage stress levels to avoid the risk of an episode occurring.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, stress can be of different types, including emotional, cognitive, and sensory stress.
Various factors, like sudden changes in routine or environment, anxiety, and fear can cause these types of stress.
One easy way to manage stress levels while flying is to plan and be organized. This can help diminish feelings of uncertainty and increase control over the situation.
Medications And Time Zones
When traveling with epilepsy, maintaining a strict medication schedule is crucial.
But what happens when you cross time zones? Here are some tips to help you manage your medications while traveling:
If you’re traveling to a time zone that’s only one or two hours different from your usual time zone, taking your medications at your regular times is unlikely to cause a problem.
However, if you’re sensitive to changing medication times, it may be helpful to gradually adjust the timing of your medication over the first two to three days of your trip.
If you’re crossing multiple time zones, talk to your neurologist about adjusting your medication schedule while traveling. They may suggest gradually shifting your medication times to align with your destination’s time zone.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, flying with seizures is generally safe if proper precautions are taken.
It is essential to plan and speak to your GP or epilepsy nurse about your travel plans at least eight weeks before your trip, especially if you are traveling to a foreign country.
Different countries have their own rules and regulations about traveling with medication, so it is crucial to research and check with the embassy of the country you are visiting.
One should carry their medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription and take more medication than needed to prepare for delays.
It is also worth considering getting a medical escort or using an air ambulance if you have uncontrolled seizures or are flying long-haul, as these options can ensure a safe flight.
It is worth noting that airlines cannot refuse boarding because you have epilepsy and may have a seizure.
Still, some airlines may request a letter from your doctor stating that you are fit to fly.
Therefore, it is always best to carry a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and listing your medications.
Overall, traveling with epilepsy should not prevent anyone from exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.
With proper planning and taking the necessary precautions, one can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
FAQs
How Long After A Seizure Can You Fly?
Flying with seizures is a concern for many people with epilepsy.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that individuals with a history of seizures wait at least three months before flying.
However, this recommendation is only a guideline; ultimately, the decision to fly rests with your doctor.
Is Seizure 100% Curable?
Seizures are a neurological condition that affects millions of people around the world.
While seizures can be managed with medication, many people wonder if seizures are 100% curable.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for seizures at this time. However, with proper treatment and management, many people with seizures can control their seizures and lead normal life.
Can High-Stress Trigger Seizures?
Stress is a common trigger for seizures in people with epilepsy.
They can be caused by emotional, mental, or physical stress.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits can help reduce stress.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can also help manage stress.
It is important to speak with your doctor about these techniques and to find the ones that work best for you.
