The Ins & Outs of Air travel with Epilepsy

Disclosure: As a reminder I don't go back and correct any mental errors while writing because that is true to how my brain works with living with epilepsy. In order to understand this by someone just joining, one example at times I might speak a seteances out ouf order, or repeat them, spelling.

I always love the opportunity to travel,

but I also know I need to be flexible and prepared.

Properly Pack for Air Travel

Along the years I have learned different key items I need to travel with and how to travel, to try and reduce anxiety which brings on more seziures. I am focusing on air travel in this post, since we just were on a trip. Traveling anywhere in a car or flying, can need preparation.

Prior to packing, make a must have list, to make sure you do not forget anything needed. Living with uncontrolled epilepsy, means seizures can happen at any point. So if you are packing, and just are recorvering from a seizure or have to wait and pack with limited time, better to prepare early and do incraments. We all know recovering from a seizure is rough and when they occur unexpectedly, we need to be prepared. I know my memory is already not that good and after a seizure it is even worse. If you don't already make sure to set your phone alarms for pill times.

My biggest flaw is not wearing a medical bracelet, but one SHOULD have one at all times. Especially when alone. Make sure whomever is your emergency contact, knows your details of travel and update them as needed.

Booking your flight: If possible schedule a flight time that is the best for you, and request special acconmadations if needed at time of booking. When I used to fly by myself, I informed the studerist when I boarded I had uncontrolled epilepsy and what they needed to know.

Every airline has different guidelines: make sure you know them. You might need assistance to and from gates, I have used this before when I used to have to fly by myself at times. If you are fortunate enough to hve a seizure alert dog, make sure to have porper paperwork, and see what the airline requires, seating adjustments may be needed.

I do not have one, so I do not know exact requirements.

ALAWAYS pack your medications with you in your carry on. NEVER place in your checked luggage as there is always a possibility of the luggage to be lost, and then you are out all your medications. There is always the chance of flight delays and you might need your meeications earlier than planned. One note my Mayo Cinic Nureologist has always told me you have a hour window to take your meds early if needed. This helps greakly especially if you switch time zones. If you have amedication which is a liquid, make sure to have papers with you if it is over the liquid amount allowed in a carry on.

I alwayas have a medication lists: I place this in my bag of medications, in my purse, my carry on and if checked bag one in there too): What I place on mine: My full name, DOB, Types of epilepsy and other conditions if it applies to you, Emergancy Contact, doctors name, name of medication, time of day taken(time zone), amount of each medication listed. Make sure you also include any other medications, vitamins, etc. I also have a RNS implant, so you need ro have your laptop with you along with the RNS magnet. Have a water bottle with you. This helps you stay hyrdrated and take your medications at the exact time needed. A snack too, if you need to take pills with food.

Hotel Accomadations Booking

If you are staying at a hotel, make sure you have the proper accomandations for safety in the room you are booked in. Maybe you need to be located close to an elavtor or on the first floor, maybe breakfast delivered to room If traveling by yourself, make the staff aware upon your arrival what you need and why. I know this is difficult for some of us, but your family and friends appreciate you doing this for their own piece of mind as well.

Have a GREAT time!

Now that you have done all the preparation for your trip, it's time to relax and enjoy yourself. As much as possible stick to your "normal" routine from home, from the time you are scheduled to go to bed, and wake up. To making sure you follow your doctor's orders. For me its daily cognitive options, exercise even if it is only stretching, along with nightly mediation. If you are like me, traveling does not happen too often and due to my uncontrolled seizures I have to be prepared to possibly have change of plans. Try not to be hard on yourself(I am VERY guilty of this)if you have to change certain plans due to a seizures.

When possible, travel with someone who understands

your invisible GLITCH.

Brent and I got to enjoy a dinner followed by relaxing on

the roof top lounge chairs.

As I said above, be ready for changes.

We had to limit to not leaving the hotel and to bed early.