Thursday, October 2, 2014

Travel and Epilepsy

I will be traveling to my 25th High School reunion tomorrow, so I thought I would discuss travel and epilepsy.  There are some considerations people with epilepsy need take.  Especially when flying, there are some things that they should do to travel safely. 

First, carry more medications than you will need.  Pack them in their original bottles and put them in more than one location.  Definitely put it in your carry-on luggage.  If you have a medical device such as a vagus nerve stimulator, make sure to carry the documentation with you.

Second, make sure to carry two copies of your doctor’s letter stating that you are fit to travel. 

Third, if you are traveling across time zones, make sure you know how to space out taking your medications.

Fourth, wear a medic alert bracelet. 

Fifth, carry a document of emergency contacts.

My personal recommendation is to get a wheelchair and preboarding access when flying.  It makes the air travel experience go much more smoothly and stress-free.  It is necessary if you have seizures.  The less stress you have, the less likely you are to have seizures.  You will bypass all the long lines in security and get to the gate and be settled on the plane before all the other passengers.  The wheelchair may seem extreme to some people, but if you have a long flight going through some huge airports and have to make connections, they are all worth it!  And don’t forget to tip, preferably beforehand.  Most of the time, that ensures you of good service.

Some airlines may not want people with epilepsy to board their planes.  However, this is against the law.  People with epilepsy cannot be denied a seat on an airplane.  In terms of health risks, air travel does not increase the risk of seizures.  See link.



In the meantime, safe travels everyone! 

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