Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person to person.This condition is characterised by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems. Statistics show that it is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages. Because Epilepsy is characterised by sudden seizure disorders, travelling by those with this condition is not an easy task. Below are some safety traveling tips for people with Epilepsy. Whether its for business or pleasure, these pre-planning steps will ensure that your travel is safe and enjoyable.
Take enough medication – Whether you are travelling for a long or short trip,have enough pills to cover your entire trip. A bit of some extra meds will always come in handy in-case of travel delays.It is a good precaution to keep prescriptions in their original containers with the labels which are clearly visible.A note from the doctor will always assist incase you are subjected to security scrutiny.
Keep your medications with you – Air travel quite often comes with the burden of risking the loss of luggage.There are also instances where flights are delayed or worse, you could be stuck on a plane for hours. So it is a good precaution to take your medications on board with you. Most airlines have emergency medical kits on board with medicines to help people who have seizures but you don’t want to entirely count on them.
Get Rx copies – Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records and duplicate prescriptions just inacse you need refills or replacements while you are away.These records can assist any doctor you may consult to know the latest information about your condition and kind of treatment.
Take meds – Medical research shows that taking your medication on time contributes in getting good results. Even when you travel, continue taking your meds just as you would at home.It may not be easy while away from home but you are helping your body to adjust to the new place.You can work on timing with your healthcare provider before you travel.
Alert your seatmates – The first point of assistance you get in any epileptic attack are the people close to you. If you are concerned that you might get a seizure during air travel, you may want to tell the person sitting next to you or the cabin crew. Let them know how seizures affect you and how they can assist you should it occur. It’s against the law for airlines to prohibit you from boarding a plane because you have epilepsy and could have seizures. If you have seizures that cause you to behave erratically, you might want to travel with a companion who could tell the other passengers what is happening and reassure them that you’ll be okay.
Sleep well – Lack of sleep can be a trigger for seizures.When you travel, it can be difficult to get your usual rest so its important to deliberately build rest time into your plans to minimise your risk of having seizures.Time your air travel so that you arrive at your destination in the afternoon or evening, when its closer to bedtime to make the transition easier.
The above tips if observed will assist epileptic travelers.