Traveling with Seizure Disorders

Travel for people who are prone to epileptic seizures isn''t much different from outings close to home. Guarding against the dangers of falls and sharp objects is quite routine, no matter where you go.

Inform Others: Medical Alert Bracelets and Seizure Information

You''ll be better off if others around you know what''s going on if you suffer an epileptic seizure. Here are a few precautions to take when traveling:

• Wear a medical alert bracelet or other medical alert jewelry where it can be seen quite easily.
• Let service personnel know of your condition. This includes flight attendants, security screeners (who should know why you''re carrying medications), travel agents, conductors and customs agents. Also, if you''re planning water recreation or athletic activities, inform the lifeguard, the coach or the referee.
• Travel with a companion who can let others know what''s happening when you have a seizure. If you tend to walk or run during a seizure, a flight attendant might panic if you''re supposed to be buckled up for takeoff or landing.
• Carry on your person information that explains your condition and lists your medications. Include your doctor''s phone number in case contact becomes necessary.

Your Medications

Taking medication to prevent an epileptic seizure is a routine matter at home. Here are a few things to remember when traveling:

• Bring extra medications in case your return is delayed.
• Ask your doctor for a prescription in case you run out of medication.
• Ask your doctor whether you should take additional medication to prevent in-flight epileptic seizures.
• Ask your doctor how to adjust your medications for time zone changes.
• Sign up for travel medical insurance in case you should require hospital or emergency care overseas.
• Don''t take medications that are unfamiliar. Some drug interactions may cause severe problems.
• If you contract an infection or diarrhea while traveling, be aware that these conditions may alter the effects of your seizure medications. Call your doctor to find out what you should do.

Avoiding Epileptic Seizures

People who have lived with epileptic seizures for a while understand that certain things are more likely to trigger a seizure. Here are common things you can do to avoid epileptic seizures while traveling:

• Avoid excess fatigue. Get at least six hours of sleep each night, particularly on overseas flights.
• Eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar and arrive at the airport early to prevent anxiety.
• Ask your doctor how you can minimize the fatigue of jet lag.
• Travel during the cooler months to avoid dehydration and extreme temperatures.
• Drink plenty of extra fluids, but avoid alcohol unless you know exactly how much you can tolerate with your medications.

Avoiding Injury

While traveling, be extra careful to avoid dangerous situations that you may not encounter at home.

• If you plan to participate in athletics, swimming, horseback riding, rafting or other adventures, wear a helmet to protect your head from injury.
• Keep well away from the edges of platforms at subway and train stations.
• Avoid the edges of cliffs, balconies, platforms and mountain trails. Foreign countries may not have guardrails as solid as American facilities do. The same goes for promenades along lakes and rivers.
• When you check into a hotel, check the room for sharp edges and other dangers. Stay away from bonfires and hot stoves.
• If you have photosensitive epilepsy, stay away from disco balls and keep well back from the flickering screens of TV sets.

Fortunately, experts have found that computers and video games typically don''t have the flicker that triggers photosensitive epileptic seizures, so you can send an email home to let everyone know what a great time you''re having!