The thought of going on vacation with your spouse or your family as a senior who has been diagnosed with epilepsy may sound intimidating or worrying. However, by making the appropriate modifications and safety measures, you can keep yourself secure and lower your risk of having a seizure while traveling with epilepsy. You’ll find some helpful advice in this article on how to make the most of your planned trip, but remember to talk to your doctor first before booking any international travel.
Tell your neurologist about your travel plans and seek advice from them
There are several crucial actions you must do if you are at risk for seizures in order to lessen the possibility of epileptic episodes while you are traveling or on holiday abroad. The first is to consult with your neurologist.
Your drug regimen will be modified, your seizures will be tracked, and your triggers will be identified by an epilepsy specialist to help you get ready. Additionally, your neurologist may suggest methods for avoiding unnecessary procedures and give you a duplicate of your prescription to use when traveling.
Make sure any traveling companions are familiar with the fundamentals of epilepsy
It is crucial to let your travel companions know about your condition, triggers, and warning signals whether you are traveling alone, with a partner, with your family, or with a group of friends.
You should provide directions on what to do in the event of a seizure, when to notify the emergency services, and how to help you prevent reoccurring seizures in addition to providing answers to fundamental questions such “what is epilepsy?”
Advice: If you’re flying, let the airline know about your medical condition and let the security personnel know if you’re using a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device, which could affect how the metal detector works.
Carry enough antiepileptic medications with you at all times and pack plenty of them
No matter if you’re going away for a weekend or a month, you should always be sure you pack enough prescription medication to last the duration of your vacation.
Additionally, because travel schedules might alter at any time, think about bringing extra antiepileptic drugs. They might be useful if your primary inventory is damaged by dampness or heat, or if you lose your other ones.
Advice: Always have your medications on you! Think about bringing them on a plane in your handbag or purse!
Pick Your Location Wisely
Your chance of having seizures while traveling will be greatly influenced by your destination. Ideally, you ought to select one of the top locations for rest and relaxation, like Tenerife or the Maldives.
Additionally, consider factors that can cause unneeded stress, such as crossing time zones or dealing with sudden temperature changes.
Purchase a medical ID bracelet
Medical ID necklaces and bracelets are widely recognized and essential for gaining access to the care you need after having a seizure.
In fact, recent surveys show that over 95% of emergency medical personnel look for medical IDs during an emergency and that 75% of them do so when doing a patient’s initial assessment. If in doubt, buying an epilepsy warning device can help you tell emergency personnel all they need to know.
Check Your Health Insurance and Do Advance Research on the Destination
Even when senior safety best practices are followed, accidents might still happen. Knowing exactly what to do in this situation and where to look for professional medical assistance will help you endure this without undue worry or concerns.
Make sure you are protected in a certain location before moving there, in particular by evaluating your health and travel insurance policies. Don’t forget to research the locations of the closest hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies in your intended location.
Keep Your Lifestyle Balanced – And Sleep Enough!
While traveling might expose you to stress and drastically different lifestyles, which can serve as seizure triggers, vacations are joyful and exciting. Uncontrolled seizures are particularly susceptible to being triggered by heat, temperature changes, dehydration, and lack of sleep.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle while you’re on the road, get adequate sleep, and set aside a sizable portion of your vacation for rest and leisure!
